Showing 15 of 221 articles
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of Vanessa Curac as a District Court Judge. Ms Curac has been practising law for 25 years, having started out as a solicitor for Oranga Tamariki, before becoming a Barrister in 2004, working in the Youth, Family and Criminal Courts. Her practice has focussed on representing young people in the Youth Court, children in the Family Court and young adults in the District Courts in South Auckland.
Education Minister Erica Stanford today joined students and staff at Northcross Intermediate in Browns Bay, Auckland, to open eight new classrooms delivered on time and under budget to meet significant roll growth. Students are moving into their new classrooms today, providing more space for teaching and learning as the school continues to grow. The opening is the latest example of the Government’s work to deliver the classrooms schools need, faster and at a better price.
Auckland’s Hunua Quarry expansion has received Fast-track approval, allowing Winstone Aggregates to increase production capacity to 5.4 million tonnes annually by deepening the Symonds Hill Pit and addressing regional aggregate shortages. This approval, the 37th through the Fast-track process, aims to reduce reliance on imported aggregate, lower construction costs, and mitigate environmental and traffic impacts through specific conditions. The expansion, alongside similar projects at Drury and Kings quarries, supports Auckland’s housing and infrastructure needs while promoting economic and environmental benefits.
A new peer-led Crisis Recovery Café, Te Piringa Āhuru ki Maungawhau, has opened in Mt Eden to provide faster, non-clinical mental health and addiction support through lived-experience peer workers. This initiative, led by Ember and part of a nationwide rollout, offers a safe, welcoming space without referral, helping connect people to community services and advocacy. Operating daily from midday to 8pm, it builds on the success of previous cafés in South Auckland and Kaitaia, enhancing crisis response and frontline support in the Northern Region.
The Government is supporting 22 NGOs through the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund to enhance faster access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response. The fund, which has supported 39 initiatives so far, enables community organisations to test new approaches and expand successful programs, including addiction recovery, youth crisis services, and integrated mental health care. Various organisations across New Zealand are receiving funding to deliver targeted mental health and addiction support services, aiming to provide earlier and more effective assistance to those in need.
Land has been secured on Karaka Road in Drury for a future hospital facility to address South Auckland’s rapidly growing healthcare needs, with the 13-hectare site offering excellent transport links and proximity to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s R&D precinct. The $45.3 million purchase aims to provide space for modern, accessible health infrastructure that supports quality services and fosters innovation in the region. The Government, through NIFCO and Health New Zealand, will plan and potentially develop a major hospital, ensuring long-term investment and flexibility to meet future healthcare demands.
Auckland’s new transport governance reforms, effective from tomorrow, restore democratic accountability by shifting most local transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, enabling elected members to directly influence and be responsible for transport decisions. The changes also empower local boards with new responsibilities and establish the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to coordinate long-term planning between central and local government. Mayor Wayne Brown emphasizes that these reforms allow practical, accountable decision-making to improve transport efficiency and support the city’s growth, while Auckland Transport will focus on delivering public transport services.
In the first two weeks since Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) opened, over one million train rides were recorded, breaking previous ridership records and significantly increasing trips between western suburbs and the city center. The new rail network has led to faster journey times, direct connections, and a shift in travel habits, with notable growth in boardings at city center stations and key interchanges, while some bus routes have seen reduced patronage. Overall, the CRL has transformed Auckland’s rail system by enabling new travel patterns across the city, encouraging more people to use integrated train and bus services.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that southbound traffic on State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury has shifted to a new motorway alignment and bridge, marking a major milestone in the project aimed at improving safety, resilience, and journey reliability. The project includes constructing five new bridges, widening the motorway, and future-proofing infrastructure against climate change, with completion expected by 2030 to provide three lanes each way, enhanced walking and cycling paths, and improved interchange facilities. These upgrades will support growth in South Auckland, strengthen freight and commuter connections, and incorporate features like wide shoulders for future bus services and comprehensive stormwater treatment.
The completion of Auckland's City Rail Link marks a historic turning point after 150 years of planning and attempts to establish a central railway through the city, reflecting the enduring belief that transport unites urban communities. This achievement honors the thousands of workers, apprentices, and businesses involved, and joins a legacy of ambitious New Zealand infrastructure projects that fuel growth and connectivity. Looking ahead, the focus shifts from whether to build to what to build next, as future generations will continue expanding Auckland’s rapid transit network and the country's development.
The official opening of Auckland's City Rail Link marks a major milestone supported by a $2.4 billion government investment aimed at transforming the city's rail network into a modern metropolitan system with improved infrastructure and increased train frequency. Despite progress, concerns remain about station naming conventions and the need for further expansions, including additional main lines and new connections to alleviate congestion and boost the national economy. The speech honors the dedicated workers who built the tunnel, emphasizing the project's lasting value for future generations and the government's ongoing commitment to rail development.
Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) has officially opened after a decade of construction, enabling trains to run through the city center for the first time and creating a faster, more connected rail network. This major infrastructure project, described as New Zealand’s biggest and most challenging transport initiative, aims to improve travel options, support urban growth, and enhance accessibility for commuters across the city. Officials emphasize the transformative impact of CRL alongside other transport upgrades, encouraging Aucklanders to utilize the new services for a more efficient and convenient public transport experience.
Work to replace the deck and beams of Symes Bridge on State Highway 39 between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia will begin on 11 October, with the bridge closing for up to two months and traffic detoured via SH3 through Te Awamutu. The upgrade will make the bridge stronger, over one metre wider, and more resilient, ensuring safety and reliability for this vital freight route between Taranaki and Auckland. NZ Transport Agency has contracted Oxcon to coordinate this work alongside the nearby Mangati Bridge replacement, minimizing overall disruption by completing both projects within the same period.
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.
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.