07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
420 views
Significant progress has been made on New Zealand's Aviation Action Plan, with over half of its 25 priorities completed within a year, including funding for RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative airport and support for regional airlines. Key achievements also involve updating pilot training, addressing workforce challenges, modernizing civil aviation rules, and assessing future infrastructure needs. The government favors a voluntary passenger rights charter over regulation to allow flexible improvements, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the Aviation Council, industry, and government to strengthen the aviation sector.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
514 views
New Zealand is advancing its energy security by investing up to $23.5 million from the Gas Security Fund in two Todd Energy projects aimed at unlocking nearly 20 petajoules of additional gas reserves over five to nine years. These projects, expected to deliver gas by 2027, will provide around 6% of the country's projected gas production, supporting energy reliability during peak demand and complementing the transition to renewable energy. The fund, designed to accelerate gas supply and ensure electricity generation reliability, has attracted strong interest and involves significant co-investment from Todd Energy to share risks and promote economic growth.
05 Sep 2026
1 month ago
453 views
The New Zealand Government, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, is investing $250,000 to support the Pasifika Youth Producers Programme, which offers 32 Pasifika youth practical skills, career exploration, and employment pathways through paid placements and leadership workshops. The 16-week programme targets two age groups, providing hands-on experience in event production, digital media, and other fields while fostering cultural connection and community engagement. This initiative aims to empower Pasifika youth, a fast-growing population, to develop skills, engage in education, and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce and economy.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
494 views
New Zealand and Australia have accelerated efforts towards a more ambitious Single Economic Market by enhancing economic integration, regulatory alignment, and coordinated trade engagement. Key initiatives include a new Trans-Tasman business-government collaboration program, a 30 percent increase in joint standards, and cooperation on regional trade agreements. Additionally, a Trade Mission to Brisbane was announced to help New Zealand businesses capitalize on procurement opportunities related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
401 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced $2 million in International Visitor Levy funding to restore the Whangamarino wetland, focusing on water level management, water quality, and pest control to protect its international Ramsar status. Additionally, $75,000 was granted to support the captive breeding program for the endangered Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House, aiming to boost wild populations. These initiatives, developed in partnership with local iwi and stakeholders, demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving New Zealand’s unique taonga species and habitats for future generations.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
476 views
The New Zealand Government is investing over $3.4 million through the Māori Development Fund to support three Māori enterprises in creating jobs, expanding exports, and fostering long-term prosperity across sectors like green hydrogen, apple orchards, and premium wine. These investments aim to enhance Māori asset productivity, increase export revenue, and generate economic benefits for whānau, local suppliers, and regions, reflecting the Government’s commitment to backing Māori ambition. Administered by Te Puni Kōkiri, the fund aligns with the Going for Growth with Māori economic plan and has an annual budget of $38.21 million from July 2026 to help overcome growth barriers and build sustainable wealth for future generations.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
461 views
The North-West Rapid Transit project in Auckland, approved through the Fast-track process, will create a rapid busway along State Highway 16 with seven stations and a Park and Ride facility, enhancing public transport for the rapidly growing north-west area. The project aims to provide a reliable 25-minute journey from Brigham Creek to Auckland City Centre, accommodating up to 9,000 passengers per hour and supporting the region's growth and economic productivity. This approval marks the 33rd Fast-track project, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, alongside other ongoing projects across housing, renewable energy, and transport sectors.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
435 views
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomed Kathryn Wright, a Southland-based registered counsellor and rural mental health practitioner, to the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group (MAAG), highlighting her valuable experience with Mental Hunts, a charity supporting firearms users in rural communities. Wright’s expertise in mental health and understanding of the firearms community will aid in developing a firearms system that balances safety with fair treatment of licensed owners. Appointed for a three-year term starting August 2026, Wright replaces two non-firearm-owning members and brings a strong background in counselling and community engagement to the advisory group.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
425 views
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Christopher Morris as a District Court Judge, with his swearing-in scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Auckland. Mr Morris is an experienced sole practitioner in Auckland, formerly a partner at Cook Morris Quinn, and has worked extensively in criminal, regulatory, and civil law. His career includes roles at Bell Gully Buddle Weir, Meredith Connell, and the Crown Law Office, with appearances in high-profile trials and courts up to the Privy Council.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
660 views
New Zealand’s international education export earnings have nearly reached $5 billion in the year to June 2026, surpassing pre-Covid levels and significantly boosting the economy. Despite having fewer international students than in 2019, the sector has achieved strong growth through increased value per student and rising enrolments, particularly in universities and schools. The government aims to sustain this momentum by supporting education providers, maintaining competitive immigration settings, and promoting New Zealand globally to reach 105,000 student enrolments by 2027 and $7.2 billion in export earnings by 2034.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
537 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Medsafe’s approval for two psychiatrists to prescribe pharmaceutical grade MDMA for treating PTSD through psychedelic-assisted therapy, aligning New Zealand with Australia’s clinical practices. MDMA remains unapproved as a medicine, but strict safeguards and comprehensive clinical assessments ensure its safe and appropriate use within a controlled therapeutic setting, with no take-home dispensing allowed. This approval is specific to the two psychiatrists, requiring other clinicians to obtain separate Medsafe authorization, reflecting a commitment to expanding access to innovative treatments responsibly.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
387 views
New Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role and preparing to host the Forum in Auckland in 2027. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to advancing Pacific priorities such as economic prosperity, regional security, and resilience through close collaboration with Pacific partners. Additionally, New Zealand is strengthening regional ties, exemplified by the resumption of direct flights between Papua New Guinea and Auckland after 26 years, reflecting closer bilateral relations.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
439 views
The New Zealand government, led by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer, is proposing mandatory pre-sale asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand to enhance consumer safety. This follows the recall of around 46,000 asbestos-contaminated products, highlighting gaps in current product safety protections. The proposed unsafe goods notice aims to prevent untested products from reaching the market, while officials also consider long-term comprehensive safety regulations.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
525 views
The Crown has settled historic Treaty claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, addressing grievances related to Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district through legislation passed in Parliament. The settlement includes adding approximately 12,000 hectares to Te Urewera, returning cultural properties, and providing $24 million in financial and commercial redress. This agreement supports Ngāti Ruapani's aspirations for cultural revitalization, economic development, and strengthened stewardship of their ancestral lands.
03 Sep 2026
1 month ago
510 views
Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones announced 25 appointments and reappointments to nine of New Zealand's 12 community trusts, which manage over $3.5 billion in investments and grant about $100 million annually to various organizations. The appointees bring diverse expertise across sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and community development to support the trusts' mission of strengthening communities. These trusts, governed by the Community Trusts Act 1999, serve charitable, cultural, philanthropic, and recreational purposes within their regions, with terms lasting up to four years.