28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1376 views
Kiwis are encouraged to provide input on proposed regulatory changes in the telecommunications sector, as their feedback is crucial to the review process, according to Ministers David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith. The review focuses on key regulatory issues such as the Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL), shareholder caps, and service quality regulations. Proposed draft changes include implementing a consumer code, updating infrastructure obligations, eliminating outdated rules, and enhancing investor appeal for telecom companies to boost growth in the sector.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1519 views
The Government and poultry industry have reached a significant agreement to jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The agreement involves cost-sharing arrangements, with industry contributing to readiness and response costs, and industry bodies being recognized as decision-makers alongside the Government. The focus is on ensuring a unified response to diseases like H5N1 to protect the industry, domestic food supply, and international trade, with the agreement set to take effect on 1 September 2025.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1534 views
Dignitaries, including Mayor Ben Bell and Minister Mark Patterson, gathered at Mataura Railway Station for its ownership transfer to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. The historic station, designed by Sir George Troup, holds significance in New Zealand's rail heritage and industrial development. KiwiRail's increased funding commitment will aid in the restoration of the station, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage for community identity and future generations.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1396 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters announced an increased annual contribution to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand for restoring rail heritage buildings and structures. The Trust has restored various railway sites, including the Cass railway station, and aims to support more with local financial and volunteer help. KiwiRail is also repairing the historic rail footbridge at Moana and considering transferring ownership of the Mataura Railway Station to the Trust for restoration.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1405 views
The speaker expresses skepticism towards the theme of the conference, "Regulation 2025 to 2050: Disruption, Change, and Continuity," highlighting the negative impact of regulatory growth on resources, project viability, and culture. They discuss the need for regulatory reform in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing affordability and productivity challenges. The speaker advocates for greater public scrutiny of regulatory initiatives to ensure cost-effective benefits and urges a shift towards more efficient and transparent regulatory practices.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1540 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1671 views
Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced new appointments and reappointments to the governing councils of the University of Canterbury and the University of Waikato, including Dr Sina Cotter Tait, Steven Wakefield, Fiona Michel, Erin Wansbrough, Hon Amy Adams, and Graeme Milne ONZM. These individuals bring valuable skills and experience to support the leadership and decision-making of the institutions. The appointments aim to ensure capable and experienced councils govern the universities to drive economic growth through talent development and idea generation.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1422 views
Major works are underway in Mangahauini Gorge on State Highway 35 (SH35) north of Gisborne to address the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the efforts to keep one lane open during the recovery process and the long-term solutions being implemented to protect the highway. The project includes innovative measures such as constructing a 'roughened channel' in the Mangahauini River to prevent erosion and ensure the highway's stability, with completion expected by mid-2026 at a cost of around $50 million.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1370 views
The Government's Local Water Done Well legislation aims to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services to local communities across the country. The legislation focuses on ensuring financial sustainability, oversight, and accountability in water service delivery, with the Commerce Commission overseeing economic regulation to ensure fair pricing and quality infrastructure. Councils are encouraged to submit water services delivery plans that meet the requirements and provide flexibility to make arrangements best-suited for their communities, ultimately benefiting Kiwis with improved water services.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1564 views
The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission reveals that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has increased to $237.1 billion, with a $30.2 billion growth from the previous quarter, as stated by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The Pipeline, managed by the Commission, encompasses over 9,200 projects, aiding in planning for future infrastructure projects across various sectors and contributing to about 4% of the country's GDP. Efforts are being made to enhance transparency and data quality within the Pipeline, with ongoing collaboration from 121 organizations, and the final National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be released in December.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1671 views
The Social Investment Fund, recently launched by Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis, targets children facing challenging family or schooling situations, such as those with incarcerated parents or who have been suspended from school early. Data-driven evidence supports the approach of intervening early to improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups, benefitting both individuals and society as a whole. With a budget of $190 million over four years, the Fund aims to invest in effective solutions, empower community organizations, and measure the impact of interventions transparently.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1436 views
Energy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1745 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, with construction starting in November on this crucial Road of National Significance (RoNS). The Board has approved over $600m to four-lane the most congested part of the Expressway, including a new grade separated interchange. The investment case shows significant improvements in travel times, safety, and resilience, with construction expected to start in November 2025 and be completed by early 2028.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1568 views
New regulations mandate Building Consent Authorities to complete 80% of building inspections within three working days of the date requested by the building owner, aiming to reduce delays and costs in construction projects. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will publish quarterly wait time data for every council to improve transparency and performance. Additional reforms include a self-certification scheme for reputable building companies and homeowners being able to build a granny flat without consent, all aimed at streamlining processes and holding accountable those responsible for substandard work.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1681 views
Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, with a $2.7 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. The MH-60R Seahawk will replace maritime helicopters, while the Airbus A321XLR will replace the aging 757 fleet, aiming to enhance combat capability and respond to international events. These investments are part of the $12 billion planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP, reflecting the Government's response to the deteriorating security environment and the need for reliable aircraft for military operations and humanitarian aid.