27 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1252 views
KiwiRail has shown significant improvement, achieving a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7% increase in volumes due to focused commercial discipline and upgraded rolling stock. Investments in modern locomotives, better maintenance funded by legislative changes, and improved infrastructure have enhanced schedule reliability and reduced disruptions from natural events. Additionally, Interislander maintained 100% reliability during peak periods, demonstrating the success of KiwiRail’s strategic focus on reliability, cost control, and asset renewal.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1247 views
The Government’s new Online GP Care service enabled around 11,000 New Zealanders to access timely medical consultations during the holiday period, with over 60,600 consultations delivered since its May 2025 launch. The service addresses barriers such as rural location and appointment availability, reaching diverse communities and offering a new feature to compare and book the earliest appointments across providers. Health New Zealand plans to expand the service’s use in targeted healthcare settings, aiming to create a more accessible and patient-centered health system.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1342 views
The Government is investing $200,000 to complete stage one of the 67km Waimate Trail, a project that highlights South Canterbury's unique landscapes and supports local tourism. This funding, part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, will finish the 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks, with the local community having already raised 80% of the needed funds. The trail aims to boost regional economic growth by attracting visitors and connecting with existing track networks, with completion expected by late April or May.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1342 views
New Zealand will enhance its international aviation resilience by enabling RNZAF Base Ohakea to operate as a 24/7 alternate runway for wide-body aircraft, supported by government funding for round-the-clock air traffic control. This upgrade, part of the Aviation Action Plan, improves flight viability by allowing aircraft to carry less fuel and operate at full capacity, benefiting tourism, exports, and regional economies. Additionally, the government and industry have collaborated on multiple initiatives to address workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, and sustainable aviation, signaling a strong commitment to future-proofing the sector.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1298 views
New Zealand is enhancing its international aviation resilience by funding 24/7 air traffic control at RNZAF Base Ohakea, allowing it to serve as an alternate runway for wide-body aircraft overnight, which improves flight viability and benefits tourism and regional economies. This initiative completes a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, which includes 25 measures to grow and future-proof the sector, with significant progress made through government and industry collaboration. Additional efforts include supporting regional routes, updating pilot training, promoting sustainable aviation, and addressing workforce and infrastructure needs to reduce barriers and foster long-term growth.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1253 views
The Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana have signed a Deed of Settlement after six years of negotiations, acknowledging historical Treaty of Waitangi breaches and aiming to restore Ngāti Ruapani’s connection with Te Urewera. The settlement includes a Crown apology, $24 million in financial redress, shares in Patunamu Forestry Ltd, multiple commercial and cultural properties, and approximately 12,000 hectares of land added to Te Urewera. This agreement marks a significant step toward supporting Ngāti Ruapani’s cultural and economic aspirations and concludes settlement negotiations in the Te Urewera region.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1231 views
New Zealand has imposed travel bans on 40 Iranian regime members involved in human rights abuses, including key ministers and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, joining other countries in sanctioning Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned the violent suppression of protests and Iran's destabilizing activities, emphasizing the country's violation of rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. These bans prevent the targeted individuals from entering or transiting New Zealand, reinforcing the nation's commitment to uphold international law and regional stability.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1258 views
Golden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a $1.1 million loan from the $30 million Regional Infrastructure Fund to refinance aircraft debt and maintain essential regional flights. This support aims to ensure connectivity, economic resilience, and access to health care and tourism for isolated communities like Golden Bay. Additionally, the fund includes initiatives to help regional airlines integrate bookings with larger carriers, enhancing commercial sustainability and travel accessibility.
24 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1210 views
New Zealand will provide $8 million in new assistance to Ukraine, including $5 million for humanitarian aid and $3 million for energy resilience and reconstruction, raising its total aid to $45 million over four years. The government is also implementing its 34th round of sanctions against Russia, targeting oil price caps, shadow fleet vessels, and entities from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea that support Russia’s military efforts. These measures aim to curb Russia’s war capabilities and demonstrate New Zealand’s ongoing solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
22 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1314 views
The Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.
21 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1228 views
The US Supreme Court announcement may impact New Zealand exporters, but significant uncertainty about US tariff policy will likely persist. Despite a 15 percent tariff imposed by the US, New Zealand exports have remained strong, with cost increases often passed on to consumers. New Zealand views the tariff as unjustified given the low average US tariff on their goods and will continue diplomatic efforts to clarify the situation for exporters.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1266 views
The Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1192 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters welcomes the New Zealand Transport Agency’s decision to extend the Waikato-Auckland passenger rail service Te Huia by one year. The service, funded to refurbish carriages and build a depot, faced challenges due to Covid-19 but has since gained strong patronage and high customer satisfaction. The extension allows for a fair assessment of the service, which has become a key commuter and city connector.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1324 views
The Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1400 views
The Government is committed to transforming Auckland into a world-class, international city by enabling significant housing growth, infrastructure development, and urban density, with reforms like the Planning Bill, Natural Environment Bill, and Plan Change 120 (PC120) playing key roles. Housing affordability and capacity are central to boosting productivity, reducing government spending on housing support, and addressing moral concerns about intergenerational equity, with recent policy adjustments softening housing capacity targets to balance growth with community concerns. Overall, over a decade of housing policy progress—including the Auckland Unitary Plan, National Policy Statement on Urban Development, and Medium Density Residential Standards—reflects a sustained effort to create a more prosperous, liveable Auckland through strategic, evidence-based urban planning.