Articles tagged with Change
Showing 15 of 58 articles
Government to Demolish Derelict MIT Buildings in Ōtara for Housing Redevelopment
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 148 viewsDeteriorating and asbestos-riddled buildings on two former Manukau Institute of Technology sites in Ōtara, covering over eight hectares of Crown land, will be demolished to enable future housing redevelopment. The Government acquired these sites in 2019 through the Land for Housing Programme and is seeking zoning changes to repurpose the land from education to housing use. Preparations including project management appointments and contractor procurement will take about six months, followed by approximately 15 months for demolition and site remediation, with community updates planned throughout the process.
Tags: Manukau Institute of Technology Ōtara Chris Bishop Housing Minister Crown land Land for Housing Programme Plan Change 120 LINZ MCERT GETSDemolition of Derelict MIT Buildings in Ōtara to Unlock Housing Development
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 149 viewsDeteriorating and asbestos-riddled buildings at two former Manukau Institute of Technology sites in Ōtara, covering over 8 hectares of Crown land, will be demolished to address safety concerns and enable future housing development. The government acquired these sites in 2019 through the Land for Housing Programme and is seeking to rezone them from education to housing uses, with demolition and site remediation expected to take about 21 months. Preparatory work, including appointing project management and securing consents, will take around six months, with demolition contracts to be tendered through LINZ to ensure experienced contractors and competitive pricing.
Tags: Manukau Institute of Technology Ōtara Chris Bishop Housing Minister Crown land demolition Land for Housing Programme Plan Change 120 LINZ MCERTNew Zealand and China Strengthen Climate Cooperation in Seventh Dialogue
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 202 viewsNew Zealand’s Climate Change Minister Simon Watts hosted China’s Minister Huang Runqiu for the Seventh Ministerial Climate Change Dialogue, emphasizing the longstanding cooperation between the two countries on climate action. The dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration in areas like agricultural methane emissions and sustainable finance, with Minister Huang gaining insights into New Zealand’s climate innovation and biodiversity conservation. This engagement builds on the 2014 New Zealand-China Arrangement on Climate Change Cooperation, recently updated during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s 2025 visit to China.
Tags: Simon Watts Huang Runqiu Christopher Luxon New Zealand China Climate Change Ministerial Dialogue Zealandia Agricultural Methane Sustainable FinanceGovernment Supports Waikato and Manawatū Farmers During Planning System Transition
19 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 251 viewsThe Government is taking targeted action to provide certainty for farmers in Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui by preventing restrictive elements of Plan Change 1 (PC1) and Plan Change 2 (PC2) from applying during the transition to a new planning system, reducing duplication and regulatory burden. While ongoing environmental improvements remain required, prescribed nitrogen discharge reductions under PC2 will no longer apply, and the new natural environment plan will specifically consider PC1 to respect prior work. These changes aim to avoid economic disruption and uncertainty for farmers, with amendments to be progressed through upcoming legislation later this month.
Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Waikato RMA Reform Plan Change 1 Plan Change 2 Horizons Regional Council New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Passes Law to Shield Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 250 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 High Court greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change Response Act Emissions Trading Scheme Government Parliament litigation tort lawNew Zealand Passes Law to Protect Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
18 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 274 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 greenhouse gas emissions High Court litigation tort law Emissions Trading Scheme Parliament Government business certaintyForestry Minister Appoints Facilitator to Support Tairāwhiti Forestry Sector Progress
17 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 262 viewsForestry Minister Todd McClay has appointed Doug Leeder as a Facilitator to advise the Government on addressing forestry challenges in Tairāwhiti, focusing on consenting complexities and land use changes. The government aims to reset the relationship between Gisborne District Council and stakeholders to support sustainable forestry management, jobs, and local businesses while ensuring compliance measures are workable and proportionate. Building on the progress of the Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group, the Facilitator will help accelerate clean-up efforts, improve collaboration, and guide decisions to benefit forestry, the environment, and the community.
Tags: Todd McClay Doug Leeder Gisborne District Council Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group TFAG Forestry Minister Bay of Plenty Regional Council Local Government New Zealand forestry sector land use changeGovernment Extends ETS Unit Settings to 2031 for Market Stability and Emissions Targets
04 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 312 viewsThe Government will maintain existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit settings to provide market stability and support New Zealand’s emissions reduction targets, extending key price controls until 2031. These decisions follow consultation and align with the Climate Change Commission’s advice to keep the country on track with its emissions budgets. Additionally, minor regulatory changes will be implemented starting 1 January 2027.
Tags: Emissions Trading Scheme ETS Climate Change Minister Simon Watts New Zealand Climate Change Commission emissions reductions auction floor price cost containment reserve regulatory changesNew Zealand Updates Climate Change Response Act to Strengthen Adaptation and NZ ETS
14 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 460 viewsThe Government is amending the Climate Change Response Act to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure effective climate risk management, including legally requiring councils to develop 30-year adaptation plans for high-risk communities. The Bill also strengthens governance and transparency of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), addressing investment disincentives and allowing for new carbon removal methods while excluding agriculture. These changes aim to streamline New Zealand’s climate framework, support emissions reduction targets, and deliver practical, results-focused climate action.
Tags: Simon Watts Climate Change Response Act New Zealand NZ ETS Climate Change Minister National Adaptation Framework Climate risks Decarbonisation Market governance Climate targetsGovernment Invests $15.5M in Bay of Plenty Marina and Geothermal Projects
13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 445 viewsThe Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones Bay of Plenty Ōpōtiki Marina Regional Infrastructure Fund aquaculture GeoExchange NZ Limited Tauranga Geothermal System geothermal energy Te Kaha Mount MaunganuiNZTA Unveils Phased Major Transport Projects Pipeline to Boost NZ Economy
08 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 489 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, outlining the phased delivery of key Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects to support economic growth and job creation. The pipeline details three phases: current construction and procurement of major roads and regional projects, preparation and route protection for upcoming projects, and slower progress on longer-term initiatives, ensuring a balanced investment across new corridors and existing infrastructure maintenance. Despite challenges like rising construction costs and reduced fuel excise duty, the government maintains an ambitious, responsible transport program aimed at building a safe, reliable, and resilient transport system nationwide.
Tags: Chris Bishop NZTA Roads of National Significance Northland Expressway Takitimu North Link Waikato Expressway Northwestern Busway Eastern Busway Melling Interchange SH29 Tauriko WestAndre van der Walt Appointed Tokelau Administrator to Strengthen NZ-Tokelau Ties
02 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 568 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters announced Andre van der Walt as the next Administrator of Tokelau, starting June 2026, coinciding with the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau. The Administrator supports Tokelau’s government in service delivery, manages New Zealand-Tokelau relations, and oversees development initiatives including climate resilience, governance, and key sectors like education and health. Van der Walt brings experience from his previous roles as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Kiribati and Deputy High Commissioner to Niue.
Tags: Winston Peters Andre van der Walt Tokelau New Zealand Administrator Kiribati Niue climate change renewable energy governanceNew State Redress Bill Enhances Abuse in Care Support and Introduces Offender Payment Rules
24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 604 viewsThe Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, recently passed its third reading, aims to improve the state redress system by recognizing abuse experiences, providing alternatives to litigation, and extending coverage to survivors of abuse in mental health facilities from 1993 to 2022. The Bill introduces a presumption against financial redress for survivors convicted of serious violent or sexual offences sentenced to five years or more, while still allowing access to other forms of redress and establishing an independent redress officer to review exemptions. Implementation will begin in stages, with the serious offender process starting on 1 August 2026 and full coverage including mental health abuse after 2022 set for 14 July 2027.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte’s Change Redress System Abuse in Care State redress scheme Redress Officer Royal Commission Sentencing Act 2002 Serious offender process Government ResponseNew Rolleston Bridge over SH1 to Boost Traffic Flow and Safety by 2027
23 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 560 viewsConstruction will soon begin on a new bridge over State Highway 1 in Rolleston to better connect residential and industrial areas, following the completion of initial improvements like a new roundabout and pedestrian subway. The bridge will feature multiple traffic lanes and a shared-use path, with design provisions for future expansion, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Additional upgrades include removing signalised intersections, extending motorway lanes, and enhancing rail crossing safety, with the entire project costing an estimated $180 to $200 million and concluding by the end of 2028.
Tags: Chris Bishop Fulton Hogan NZ Transport Agency SH1 Rolleston Hoskyns Rd Weedons interchange Walkers Road State Highway 1 New ZealandWaihi Recycling Station Upgrade to Cut Landfill Waste and Boost Recycling by 2028
05 Jun 2026 | 3 months ago | 630 viewsThe Waihi Recycling Transfer Station will be upgraded with nearly $1.08 million in funding to reduce landfill waste and boost recycling capacity, including a new construction and demolition waste sorting area. Once completed in 2028, the upgrade will divert about 3,400 tonnes of materials annually from landfill, increase recyclables and glass processing by 20-40%, and enable green waste mulching for local reuse. This project exemplifies government efforts to reduce emissions, improve waste management, and support climate goals in the Hauraki and Western Bay of Plenty regions.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Simon Watts Waihi Recycling Transfer Station Hauraki District Council Waste Minimisation Fund landfill reduction recycling capacity climate change green waste emissions reduction plan