Articles tagged with Amp

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NZDF and Ngāti Rangi Partner to Build 50 New Homes at Waiouru Military Camp

09 Sep 2026 | 8 hours ago | 82 views

The New Zealand Defence Force and Ngāti Rangi have signed an agreement to build 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp, honoring commitments from the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. This deal includes the sale and long-term leaseback of land and buildings, strengthening the partnership between NZDF and Ngāti Rangi. The homes, aimed at improving soldiers' wellbeing and retention, are expected to be completed by mid-2028 as part of the broader Homes for Families programme.

Tags: New Zealand Defence Force Ngāti Rangi Waiouru Military Camp Paul Goldsmith Homes for Families Devonport Wellington Whenuapai Christchurch Manawatū

Auckland to Host 2028 PSA Squash World Championships with $1M Boost

07 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 86 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.

Tags: Louise Upston PSA Squash World Championships Auckland New Zealand Major Events Fund New Zealand International Convention Centre squash Los Angeles 2028 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Auckland Council Events

New Zealand Launches Chief Executive Board to Tackle Organised Crime and Trafficking

02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 163 views

The New Zealand Government is establishing a multi-agency Chief Executive Board (CEB) on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) to enhance coordination and oversight in combating organised crime, with Minister Casey Costello designated as the lead. Alongside this, a standalone Trafficking in Persons Action Plan has been introduced to strengthen prevention, victim support, and enforcement against various forms of trafficking occurring within the country. These initiatives aim to protect vulnerable people, improve inter-agency collaboration, and make New Zealand a more difficult environment for organised crime and human trafficking networks.

Tags: Casey Costello Transnational Serious Organised Crime TSOC Methamphetamine Action Plan Chief Executive Board Trafficking in Persons New Zealand Ministerial Advisory Group Comptroller of Customs Commissioner of Police

Government Launches Nationwide Car Clamping Operation for Unpaid Court Fines

18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 267 views

The government is intensifying efforts to enforce payment of overdue court fines by conducting a nationwide operation where bailiffs will scan parked cars to identify defaulters, with vehicles subject to clamping or seizure if payments are not arranged. Since trialling this technology in July last year, over 268,000 number plates have been scanned, resulting in more than $4.2 million recovered, numerous payments made on the spot, and hundreds of vehicles clamped, seized, or sold. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to law and order by ensuring fines and reparations are taken seriously.

Tags: Paul Goldsmith Government court fines bailiffs car clamping reparations law and order number plate scanning vehicle seizure payment arrangements

Mount Kirk Officially Named in Fiordland to Honor Former PM Norman Kirk

17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 244 views

A previously unnamed 1,436-metre mountain near Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park has been officially named Mount Kirk in honor of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk. The naming recognizes Kirk's significant political legacy, particularly his commitment to preserving the natural levels of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and establishing the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. This decision, confirmed by the New Zealand Geographic Board and Minister Mike Butterick, commemorates Kirk’s lasting impact on New Zealand’s environmental conservation and leadership.

Tags: Mount Kirk Norman Kirk Mike Butterick Fiordland National Park Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau Save Manapouri campaign Lake Manapouri Lake Te Anau New Zealand Geographic Board

Parliamentary Sovereignty and the Vital Roles of New Zealand’s Government Arms

06 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 325 views

The Attorney-General emphasizes the fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty, asserting that Parliament, as the democratically elected body with institutional expertise, is best suited to make significant public policy decisions rather than the judiciary. She highlights the historical roots of this principle, the distinct roles and expertise of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and the importance of clear legislative intent to uphold democracy and the rule of law. Using examples like Fitzgerald v Muldoon and climate change litigation, she argues for deliberate, transparent lawmaking and swift legislative responses to judicial developments to maintain parliamentary supremacy.

Tags: John Prebble Matthew Palmer Claudia Geiringer Campbell McLachlan Peter Hogg Sir Kenneth Keith Michael Cullen John Locke George Tanner

Government Invests $35M to Expand Forensic Mental Health Services and Beds by 2027

14 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 441 views

The government is investing $35 million in Budget 2026 to expand forensic mental health services, including adding inpatient beds, step-down beds, and increasing prison in-reach and court liaison staff to improve access and support. This funding builds on the previous year’s $51 million investment, collectively adding 14 new forensic inpatient and step-down beds and boosting frontline workers to enhance rehabilitation and community reintegration. The expanded services aim to reduce delays, improve patient outcomes, and increase safety for staff and communities, with new facilities expected to open in early 2027.

Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister Mason Clinic Porirua forensic campus Health New Zealand Budget 2026 Budget 2025 forensic mental health court liaison staff

WorkSafe NZ Enhances Machine Safety Training for Inspectors to Boost Workplace Safety

03 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 503 views

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced that all WorkSafe New Zealand inspectors have completed updated machine safety training to improve risk assessment and management. This training was developed in response to feedback from manufacturing businesses about unclear and impractical safety assessments, aiming to provide clearer, more practical guidance focused on real risks. The enhanced training, including workshops like the one at Burnham Military Camp, strengthens inspectors' technical expertise, enabling them to issue specific, effective safety actions that better protect workers and increase confidence in the system.

Tags: Brooke van Velden WorkSafe New Zealand Workplace Relations machine safety manufacturing sector safety training inspectors Burnham Military Camp risk assessment safety guidance

Customs Minister Warns Young New Zealanders: Drug Couriering Risks Life and Freedom

25 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 532 views

Customs Minister Casey Costello warned that young New Zealanders are being exploited by criminal groups to courier drugs, facing severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences. Recent arrests highlight ongoing drug smuggling operations, with significant quantities of methamphetamine involved and both locals and foreign nationals apprehended at airports. The Minister urged young people and their families to resist such offers, emphasizing the risks of imprisonment at home and harsher penalties, including the death penalty, in some Southeast Asian countries.

Tags: Casey Costello New Zealand drug courier methamphetamine Customs Minister drug smuggling Auckland Southeast Asia drug cartels border protection

Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Judges Appointed from July 2026

23 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 728 views

Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced that Justice Neil Ross Campbell will become a Judge of the Supreme Court and Justice David Gary Johnstone a Judge of the Court of Appeal, both starting on 16 July 2026. Justice Campbell has a distinguished academic and legal career, including roles as a law professor, Queen’s Counsel, and previous judicial appointments, while Justice Johnstone has extensive experience in criminal law, commercial litigation, and prosecution, with recent appointments as a High Court Judge. Both bring significant expertise from academia and practice, reflecting their progression through New Zealand’s legal system.

Tags: Chris Bishop Neil Ross Campbell David Gary Johnstone University of Auckland University of Cambridge Bell Gully Meredith Connell Queen’s Counsel High Court Judge Court of Appeal Judge

2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards Celebrate Environmental & Farming Success

11 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 715 views

Forestry Minister Todd McClay praised the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards winners for demonstrating how native planting can complement productive land uses to enhance environmental and economic outcomes. The awards, with 67 entries, showcase diverse efforts from farmers, iwi, communities, and forestry companies in advancing native forestry to support environmental resilience. The six winners include individuals and groups recognized for large-scale restoration, community planting, sustainable farming, and promoting native timber and cultural values.

Tags: Todd McClay Ollie Langridge Ngāti Koata Trust Philip Leith Jenny Leith Kingheim Limited Styx Living Laboratory Trust Waingake Transformation Programme Forestry Minister Growing Native Forests Champions Awards

Government Launches Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme to Support Young Farmers

09 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 641 views

The Government is investing $98,000 in the Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme, embedded within the New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Contest, to develop young rural leaders who can support mental health and wellbeing in their communities. This initiative, delivered in partnership with New Zealand Young Farmers and Farmstrong, aims to equip up to 150 participants with skills to navigate rural pressures and lead wellbeing conversations. The investment complements a broader mental health plan, enhancing support services and fostering resilient rural communities for the future.

Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson New Zealand Young Farmers Rural Wellbeing Champions Programme Farmstrong Mental Health Rural Communities Young Farmers Government Investment Mental Health Minister

New Quality Homes Delivered Early for NZ Military Families Under Budget

18 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 770 views

Defence Minister Chris Penk announced the early and under-budget completion of 23 new, high-quality homes for military families across New Zealand Defence Force bases as part of the Homes for Families programme. This $7.8 million development addresses decades of underinvestment in outdated military housing, providing safe, modern living spaces that support personnel wellbeing and ease housing affordability pressures. The government plans to invest up to $600 million through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to continue delivering these homes, boosting regional economic activity and improving conditions for Defence personnel and their families.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Homes for Families Linton Military Camp Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea Burnham Military Camp Defence Minister Penny Homes Devonport Trentham

$11.9M Reinvested to Combat Meth and Gang Harm in NZ Communities

13 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 741 views

New Zealand's government will reinvest $11.9 million seized from criminals into the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme to combat methamphetamine and gang-related harm. ROCC collaborates with police and community groups across seven regions to prevent gang recruitment, support offenders, and aid communities affected by drug and gang activity through practical initiatives with measurable outcomes. This funding, sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, underscores the government's commitment to reducing organized crime and its impact on vulnerable populations without relying solely on enforcement.

Tags: Nicole McKee Casey Costello ROCC Proceeds of Crime Fund New Zealand methamphetamine gangs organised crime Police WELLfed

Defence Minister Honors NZ Businesses Boosting National Security and Innovation

11 May 2026 | 4 months ago | 716 views

Defence Minister Chris Penk highlighted the vital role New Zealand businesses play in supporting national security by providing essential equipment, services, and infrastructure to the Defence Force. This year’s award recipients contribute to regional growth, innovation, and the Defence Capability Plan’s goals, which include doubling defence spending by 2025. Additionally, the Defence Industry Advisory Council has been revitalized with updated membership and terms to better align with government defence and economic priorities.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Ministry of Defence Defence Industry Advisory Council Defence Capability Plan Burnham Military Camp Minister of Defence Awards Defence spending Defence procurement Defence Industry