Latest News & Articles
Showing 15 of 2372 articles
New Zealand Passes Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Legislation for National Security
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1788 viewsNew Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation under urgency to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, enhancing national security and protecting against foreign interference, according to Space Minister Judith Collins. The Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill aims to ensure the safe and responsible use of space, with oversight and safeguards for satellite operations starting from 29 July. Operators will need to meet security requirements and undergo due diligence to obtain authorisation, with enforcement powers in place to address any national security concerns.
Tags: Legislation foreign interference national interests Space Minister Judith Collins national security satellite operations regulatory settings MBIE enforcement powersNew Zealand's Fast-track Approvals System Boosts Economic Growth with Streamlined Project Processes
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2877 viewsThe Fast-track Approvals system, established six months ago, aims to streamline project approvals in New Zealand for economic growth. The system allows for expedited processing of project applications through expert panels, with over 50 projects applying so far. Additional projects can be referred into the process, with decisions expected on key projects by the end of the year.
Tags: New Zealand RMA Reform Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Expert Panels Panel Convenor Project referrals Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Artificial Intelligence Data Centre.Legislation Amendment Bill Enhances Access to Law and Government Services
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1869 viewsA bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitize government services has passed its first reading, aiming to make legislation easier to find and comply with. Attorney-General Judith Collins highlights the importance of high-quality legislation that is easy to understand and use. The bill standardizes publication practices for secondary legislation and includes the redevelopment of the New Zealand legislation website to provide a one-stop shop for all legislation matters.
Tags: Judith Collins Legislation Amendment Bill secondary legislation regulations orders rules exemptions bylaws notices instrumentsNZ-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Boosts Export Opportunities in $500B Market
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1971 viewsThe NZ-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) legislation has passed, giving Kiwi exporters access to a $500 billion market that imports 90% of its food, with tariffs on 98.5% of exports immediately removed, rising to 99% in three years. Agriculture, Trade, and Investment Minister Todd McClay highlights the benefits of the agreement in lowering costs, increasing access, and enhancing New Zealand's presence in the Middle East, aiming to capitalize on UAE consumers' demand for safe, fresh products. The CEPA aims to boost two-way trade between New Zealand and the UAE, worth $1.35 billion last year, by reducing red tape, promoting services trade, and supporting investment links, aligning with the government's goal of doubling export value in a decade.
Tags: New Zealand UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA Todd McClay Agriculture Trade Investment Minister exporters tariffsHarmony and Peace Accord: Building Unity Between Jewish and Muslim Communities in New Zealand
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1786 viewsThe content highlights the signing of the Harmony and Peace Accord between Jewish and Muslim organizations in New Zealand, emphasizing the leaders' courage in standing against division and fear. It acknowledges the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and unity in the face of global conflicts and rising Islamophobia and Antisemitism. The message underscores the shared responsibility of all New Zealanders, regardless of faith, to uphold Kiwi values of respect, tolerance, and peace to ensure a united and inclusive society.
Tags: Cindy Kiro Richard Andrew Ibrar Sheikh Phillip Green Richard Chambers Melissa Derby Jewish Muslim New Zealand HarmonyUrgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza: New Zealand's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2547 viewsOn June 24, 2025, a Ministerial statement on the Middle East was delivered to address the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing de-escalation and ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire being brokered by the United States, ongoing suffering and conflict persist in Gaza, with calls for immediate action from the international community. New Zealand stands united with other countries in condemning actions that hinder a two-state solution and advocates for dialogue, diplomacy, and a permanent ceasefire to end the cycle of conflict for future generations.
Tags: Israel Iran New Zealand Hamas United States Gaza Palestinians ceasefire international communityPharmac’s New Consumer Working Group: Resetting the Patient-Pharmac Relationship for Better Health Outcomes
21 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2296 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's new consumer working group to improve its collaboration with health consumers, emphasizing the importance of patient input in decision-making processes. The working group, led by Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, includes members representing various health conditions, aiming to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer community. The government's support includes increased funding for Pharmac to negotiate better deals for medicine and enhance access for patients and their families.
Tags: David Seymour Malcolm Mulholland Pharmac Consumer working group Patient advocacy Patient engagement Health consumers Medicines Patient Voice Aotearoa New ZealandersNew Zealand Progresses Towards Ending Greyhound Racing with Focus on Animal Welfare
21 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2038 viewsThe Racing Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, emphasizes animal welfare as a priority in planning for the intended end of greyhound racing in the country. An Advisory Committee has presented an interim report outlining the transition process, which includes rehoming plans for the greyhounds currently involved in the sport. The report also addresses concerns about financial support for owners and trainers, with the recommendations set to be reviewed by Cabinet before any decisions are made.
Tags: greyhound racing New Zealand animal welfare Racing Minister Winston Peters Advisory Committee rehoming industry legislation select committeeUniversity of Waikato to Establish New Medical School with Focus on Primary Care and Rural Health
21 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1837 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 ZealandPharmac Innovations: Driving Access to Life-saving Medicines for Kiwis
21 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1885 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to enhance innovation and optimize services for better healthcare delivery to New Zealanders. Pharmac has made improvements in consultation processes, funding criteria adjustments, and appointed new leadership to drive positive change. The focus is on modernizing Pharmac, adopting AI technologies, engaging stakeholders proactively, and increasing transparency to ensure timely access to medicines and medical devices for all Kiwis.
Tags: David Seymour Natalie McMurtry Pharmac Kiwis New Zealanders Government AI Stakeholders Regulatory systemFinance Minister Nicola Willis: Inflation Under Control as Govt Focuses on Economic Growth
21 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1846 viewsNew data released by Stats NZ today shows inflation at 2.7 per cent for the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, remaining within the Reserve Bank's target range, according to Finance Minister Nicola Willis. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of inflation being within the target range, contrasting with previous higher rates under the previous government. Local authority rates and payments were noted as the largest contributor to annual inflation, prompting the government to call for better management to keep rates under control and ensure economic growth for job creation and public services funding.
Tags: inflation Finance Minister Nicola Willis Stats NZ Consumers Price Index Reserve Bank New Zealanders council rates local authority rates economic growth New ZealandStudent Volunteer Army Receives $50,000 Grant for Youth-Led Response to Nelson Tasman Weather Crisis
20 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1825 viewsYouth Minister James Meager has announced a one-time $50,000 grant to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to mobilize young volunteers aged 12-24 to assist in response to severe weather events in Nelson Tasman. The SVA will coordinate region-wide activities for the next four-to-six weeks to provide valuable assistance to communities affected by recent flooding. The initiative aims to engage young people in disaster response, offering them a youth development opportunity while contributing to community recovery efforts.
Tags: Nelson Tasman Student Volunteer Army Youth Minister James Meager Foxhill Sam Johnson disaster response community leaders youth development extreme weather voluntary workGovernment-Funded Infrastructure Projects Worth $6 Billion Set to Boost Economy and Create Jobs Nationwide
19 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1869 viewsBillions of dollars in government-funded infrastructure projects are set to begin in the next few months, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic activity nationwide. The projects include new roads, hospitals, schools, and government buildings, aimed at improving infrastructure quality to boost the economy and help with the cost of living. The Infrastructure for Growth work program has delivered on actions to strengthen the infrastructure pipeline, with future projects totaling $207 billion planned across various sectors.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop infrastructure projects economic activity jobs roads hospitals schools construction government buildingsNew Cardiac Cath Lab Enhances Care at Tauranga Hospital
19 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2023 viewsA new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation lab at Tauranga Hospital enhances diagnostic and treatment services in the region, replacing the old suite that had been in use since 2017. The upgraded facility offers advanced technology for cardiac care, reducing the need for patients to travel to other hospitals for complex procedures. With plans to increase operational sessions, the lab aims to provide a wider range of interventional services locally, improving access to quality healthcare and outcomes for patients in the Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas.
Tags: Tauranga Hospital Health Minister Simeon Brown cardiac catheterisation lab diagnostic services treatment services angiography stenting pacemaker insertion electrophysiology endovascular aneurysm repairGovernment Funds New Nelson Tasman Weather Radar for Enhanced Emergency Response
18 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1865 viewsThe Government is funding MetService for a new Nelson Tasman weather radar to enhance severe weather monitoring and response in the region, as announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager. The radar procurement aims to improve community preparedness for future disasters following recent severe weather events. The investment in the radar, with a capital cost of up to $5 million and ongoing operating costs, will provide emergency managers with better tools to monitor rainfall and flooding risks, ultimately reducing the potential for loss of life and property during severe weather events.
Tags: Government MetService Nelson Tasman weather radar severe weather monitoring response James Meager Mark Mitchell emergency management rainfall.