23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1430 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced that Term 4 2025 school attendance reached 57.3%, the highest since 2022, reflecting a steady increase due to government initiatives and parental involvement. Regional attendance was highest in Central and East Auckland at 62.5%, and the government is implementing Attendance Management Plans with escalating interventions for absences to further improve rates. Enhanced frontline attendance services, supported by $140 million funding in Budget 2025, aim to ensure consistent attendance, which is crucial for positive educational and life outcomes.
23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1434 views
Four new community-based forensic step-down beds will open early in March through a partnership between Ember Services Limited and Health NZ, accelerating the government's Mental Health Plan commitment. Funded by Budget 2025, these beds aim to improve access to specialist forensic services, supported by community teams and specialist staff to ensure patient and public safety while facilitating gradual reintegration and reducing relapse risks. This initiative complements existing facilities and forms part of a broader strategy to enhance mental health support, frontline staffing, and crisis response.
23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1435 views
Four new community-based forensic step-down beds will open early in March through a partnership between Ember Services Limited and Health NZ, accelerating the government's Mental Health Plan commitment. Funded by Budget 2025, these beds aim to provide faster access to specialist forensic services, supported by community teams and specialist staff, to safely reintegrate patients transitioning from inpatient forensic care. This initiative enhances bed capacity alongside a new acute forensic inpatient facility in Waikato and forms part of a broader strategy to improve mental health support, frontline staffing, and crisis response.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1395 views
Minister Louise Upston encouraged Timaru employers to prioritize hiring jobseekers and highlighted how the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) supports businesses by matching them with skilled and suitable candidates. MSD collaborates closely with local employers like Fonterra to understand their workforce needs and build trust by connecting them with ready-to-work talent from a large pool of jobseekers. She emphasized that recruitment through MSD is about unlocking potential and creating lasting opportunities, urging employers of all sizes to engage with MSD for workforce solutions.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1359 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour supports Pharmac’s public consultation on funding Trikafta and Alyftrek for children with cystic fibrosis of all ages, aiming to expand access beyond the current age restrictions. If approved, the proposal effective from April 1, 2026, would allow doctors to prescribe these life-changing treatments based on clinical need, addressing early harm caused by cystic fibrosis and improving patient outcomes. Pharmac encourages feedback from patients, families, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups before the consultation closes on February 11, 2026.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1529 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced the launch of the first four mental health co-response teams in Canterbury, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Counties Manukau, pairing mental health workers with Police to better respond to 111 mental distress calls. These teams aim to provide immediate support and reduce reliance on criminal justice responses, improving outcomes by decreasing emergency department visits and use of Mental Health Act powers. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative expands on previous pilots and is part of a broader government strategy to enhance crisis response and mental health services nationwide.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1490 views
Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced a reduction in the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for forest owners from $14.90 to $10.25 per hectare, marking a 66% decrease since the National-led Government took office. The changes, resulting from a second operational cost review, also include updated service fees and new targeted fees to better reflect actual administration costs while maintaining service quality. Consultation on these proposals, which aim to support the forestry sector’s role in emissions targets, opens now with updated settings expected to take effect by mid-2026.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1467 views
The 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.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1435 views
New 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.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1549 views
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay urges farmers and growers to stay informed about severe weather warnings and seek support if needed, as heavy rain and strong wind alerts affect many regions. The Ministry for Primary Industries is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with emergency groups, and providing on-ground assistance while advising people to prioritize safety and avoid floodwaters. A precautionary state of emergency has been declared in Whangārei, and those needing help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1642 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday, 7 November, providing certainty to New Zealanders and emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to economic management and improving public services. He highlighted achievements such as reduced inflation, increased business confidence, improved law and order, and better educational outcomes under the National-led Government. The election timeline includes Parliament rising on 24 September, dissolution on 1 October, nominations closing on 8 October, advance voting starting 26 October, and writ return by 3 December.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1948 views
The Government is providing a $3.1 million loan to support a $13.6 million industrial subdivision near Gore, a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu’s Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited, addressing the shortage of large industrial lots in the area. The 43-hectare project, located on State Highway 1, will create up to 50 construction jobs and attract various industries while generating sustainable income for Hokonui Rūnanga to fund community services. This development is the first phase of a 90-hectare master plan aimed at diversifying Southland’s economy and includes future plans for marae relocation, housing, and childcare facilities.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1386 views
New Zealand and Palau have agreed to strengthen their partnership as the next hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum, focusing on regional challenges like ocean health, fisheries management, and economic resilience. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized the importance of unity among Pacific nations to address shared issues and announced New Zealand's continued support for Palau's Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner with NZ$1.1 million. The discussions also covered practical cooperation for Palau’s Forum hosting and highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to safeguarding the ocean, a vital resource for the region’s future.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1347 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1505 views
The Counties Manukau after-hours service in South and East Auckland now operates 24/7, providing urgent care at any time and reducing pressure on Middlemore Hospital's emergency department. This restoration reverses the 2020 closure and aligns with the Government's Urgent Care and After-Hours Framework, aiming to ensure 98% of New Zealanders live within an hour of urgent care. Similar expansions are planned nationwide to improve access and support rural communities.