08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
489 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced a $32.8 million investment to provide 34 additional classrooms and a new gym across ten schools experiencing significant roll growth, funded through over $330 million in savings from more efficient school property planning and delivery. The projects, including four satellite classrooms for Arohanui Special School at Massey High School and an early gym construction at Chapel Downs Junior College, will begin within 12 months using standard designs and offsite manufacturing to enhance efficiency. This initiative builds on the nearly 1,400 new classrooms added nationwide in the past three years, aiming to deliver better value and more facilities where demand is highest.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
448 views
An independent review of mental health and addiction telehealth services revealed that while core safety systems are in place, many people face long wait times and inconsistent follow-up after referrals. In response, the government is expanding peer support hours, piloting proactive follow-up calls, establishing a dedicated 24/7 national suicide prevention crisis line, and considering a telehealth target to improve wait times. Recent investments of over $10 million aim to enhance service capacity and ensure timely, accessible support for those in need.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
442 views
New Zealand and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience by sharing expertise and best practices, reflecting their shared commitment to support communities affected by disasters. Both countries face similar natural hazards and have a history of partnership, with Japan recognized for its advanced disaster management systems, providing a valuable opportunity for mutual learning. This agreement strengthens regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific and aligns with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency's broader international efforts alongside other countries.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
392 views
The Government’s free online Food Safety Basics training modules have benefited thousands of food business staff, with the third module on maintaining a food safe workplace now available. Developed with industry input, the course covers key topics like cleaning, pest control, and waste management, and aims to simplify food safety while saving businesses money on costly training. Additionally, recent government changes have reduced regulatory burdens and costs for various food businesses, supporting a more efficient and consistent food safety system nationwide.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
488 views
The 2028 PSA Squash World Championships will be held in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from New Zealand's Major Events Fund, showcasing top international players at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. This prestigious event, occurring just before squash's Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, aims to boost the sport's profile, inspire local athletes, and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a host for major international sporting events. The championships are expected to attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and create a lasting legacy for squash in New Zealand.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
510 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced a $740 million state highway renewal programme for the upcoming summer, funded by the National Land Transport Fund, aiming to improve road safety, reliability, and longevity across New Zealand. This investment is part of a record $2.15 billion allocation for state highway maintenance and renewals from 2024 to 2027, emphasizing the government's priority on maintaining existing infrastructure to deliver better value and reduce costly reconstructions. The programme includes extensive resurfacing, pavement rehabilitation, and safety upgrades, with recognition of the essential work by roadworkers despite potential short-term disruptions.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
344 views
A $640,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been granted to South East Air to refurbish an aircraft, increasing Stewart Island Flights' fleet from four to five planes. This funding aims to enhance regional air connectivity, support essential services like healthcare and education, and boost tourism and business on Stewart Island. The loan is part of a broader $30 million initiative to sustain vulnerable regional air services and help airlines manage costs amid rising fuel prices.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
433 views
The Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
521 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
458 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced five new diplomatic appointments. Tāne Waetford will serve as Ambassador to Colombia, Melanie Roberts as High Commissioner to Niue, and Dr. Jon Johansson as Ambassador to Sweden. Additionally, Stephen Wong is appointed Ambassador to Timor-Leste, and Brad Burgess as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
482 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey officially opened Ngā Moana e Rua, a new $27 million acute mental health facility at Te Nīkau Hospital in Greymouth, designed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment with modern amenities for inpatient care. This facility is part of the Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and reflects a shift towards faster access, improved frontline support, and better crisis response, with input from clinical teams, people with lived experience, and the community. West Coast mental health services are among the best-performing in the country, and the new unit aims to further enhance care while supporting earlier intervention to prevent inpatient admissions.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
379 views
The Government is launching a nationwide Rural Recycling Scheme from March 2027 to improve the recovery and recycling of farm plastics through a regulated, industry-designed take-back system managed by the Agrecovery Foundation. This new scheme will replace current voluntary programs, expand the network of collection sites, and require producers to contribute fees to support free recycling services for farmers and other sectors using agrichemicals and farm plastics. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and provide a simple, accessible recycling solution, with existing voluntary schemes continuing until the new system begins.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
382 views
Franz Josef township has achieved a significant flood resilience milestone with the completion of key Waiho River stop bank upgrades, enhancing protection for homes, farms, and infrastructure. These works, part of the second stage of the Franz Josef Flood Protection Scheme, are co-funded by a $6 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant and follow an initial $9.2 million investment from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. The upgrades aim to safeguard the community against destructive flooding from the glacier-fed Waiho River while preparing for the final Havill Wall upgrade to protect additional critical assets.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
449 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Product Labelling Review, aiming to ease export and import challenges by updating digital labelling standards and aligning over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels with Australia. The government will develop a national digital labelling standard to reduce costs and support export growth, while changes to OTC medicine labelling will increase product availability and attract international companies. These reforms are expected to generate significant economic benefits by cutting red tape, lowering compliance costs, and unlocking New Zealand’s economic potential.
07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
441 views
The Stella Passage Development at the Port of Tauranga has received fast-track approval, enabling significant expansion including wharf extensions, new container cranes, and dredging to accommodate larger vessels and nearly double handling capacity. This approval, granted in about five months through the Fast-track process, addresses longstanding constraints caused by limited capacity and aging infrastructure, enhancing New Zealand’s largest port’s efficiency and supporting regional economic growth. The project is the 34th approved under Fast-track, a system designed to expedite infrastructure developments that deliver economic value and keep New Zealand competitive globally.