Articles tagged with Cook
Showing 15 of 21 articles
Christopher Morris Appointed as Auckland District Court Judge Starting October 2026
03 Sep 2026 | 5 days ago | 137 viewsAttorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has appointed Christopher Morris as a District Court Judge, with his swearing-in scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Auckland. Mr Morris is an experienced sole practitioner in Auckland, formerly a partner at Cook Morris Quinn, and has worked extensively in criminal, regulatory, and civil law. His career includes roles at Bell Gully Buddle Weir, Meredith Connell, and the Crown Law Office, with appearances in high-profile trials and courts up to the Privy Council.
Tags: Chris Bishop Christopher Morris Cook Morris Quinn Bell Gully Buddle Weir Meredith Connell Crown Law Office Auckland District Court Court of Appeal Supreme Court Privy CouncilUS, New Zealand, and Cook Islands Partner for Major Penrhyn Port Upgrade
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 150 viewsThe United States, Cook Islands, and New Zealand have announced a partnership to upgrade the port on Penrhyn island, with the US and New Zealand co-funding the project totaling approximately $60 million USD. This initiative aims to enhance safety, transport links, and economic opportunities for the northern Cook Islands and reflects strong regional cooperation and historic ties. The project will be implemented by New Zealand in close coordination with the Cook Islands and the US, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development for the island's connectivity and prosperity.
Tags: Mark Brown Winston Peters Christopher Landau Cook Islands New Zealand United States Penrhyn Tongareva Pacific Islands Forum CongressNew Zealand and Pacific Leaders Unite in Historic Realm Meeting in Auckland
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 168 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon met with the leaders of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau in Auckland for the first-ever Realm of New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting to discuss regional priorities and the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Luxon emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and constitutional ties that bind these nations as part of the Realm of New Zealand. He also acknowledged Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi for initiating and co-hosting the meeting, highlighting the unique but connected relationships within the Realm partnership.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Dalton Tagelagi Mark Brown Alapati Tavite Cook Islands Niue Tokelau Realm of New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum AucklandGovernment Approves Kāinga Ora Arlington Reset to Deliver 104 New Social Homes in Wellington
12 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 269 viewsThe Government has approved a reset of the Kāinga Ora Arlington development to deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington, with construction expected between 2027 and 2029, and will provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people. The redesigned project replaces a previously paused, costly plan of 301 apartments, aiming for a more cost-effective approach with a mix of one-, two-, and four-bedroom homes, funded through Kāinga Ora’s renewals programme. Additionally, part of the Arlington site may be returned to the Council for further housing development, maximizing the use of the site and supporting community housing initiatives.
Tags: Chris Bishop Andrew Little Kāinga Ora Wellington City Council Arlington development social housing New Zealand government Mount Cook housing services Cabinet approvalNew Appointments and Reappointments Announced for Medical Council of NZ
26 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 377 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown announced four new appointments—Dr Derek Sherwood, Dr Manoja Kalupahana, Dr Roderick Mulgan, and Andie Cook—and two reappointments of Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Hinamaha Lutui to the Medical Council of New Zealand. He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing members and highlighted Dr Clark’s ongoing leadership as Chair, with Ming-chun Wu as Deputy Chair. The Minister emphasized the Council’s crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring medical practitioners are fit and competent.
Tags: Simeon Brown Derek Sherwood Manoja Kalupahana Roderick Mulgan Andie Cook Kenneth Clark Hinamaha Lutui Rachelle Love David Ivory Simon WattKiwiRail to Operate New Cook Strait Rail Ferries Kupe and Cook, Securing Future
17 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 434 viewsThe government announced that KiwiRail will operate two new Cook Strait rail ferries, paying commercial fees to ports and Ferry Holdings, securing a practical and affordable ferry service that preserves rail connectivity and supports freight and passenger resilience. This decision follows the cancellation of the over-budget and over-complicated iReX project, with a renewed focus on delivering within a $1.7 billion budget through expert-led, risk-managed commercial contracts and partnerships. The ferries will be named Kupe and Cook, honoring New Zealand’s maritime heritage and reflecting a commitment to acknowledging the country’s complex history while providing a reliable transport link for generations to come.
Tags: Chris Mackenzie Heather Simpson Greg Lowe Katherine Rich Iain MacLeod Sandip Ranchod Andrea Vance Sue Tindal Kupe CookKiwiRail to Operate New Cook Strait Ferries Kupe and Cook from 2029
17 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 480 viewsThe New Zealand Government has confirmed KiwiRail will operate two new Cook Strait rail ferries, named Kupe and Cook, arriving in 2029 with a 30-year operational plan to ensure a practical and affordable ferry service. The project, capped at $1.7 billion, saves $2.3 billion compared to previous estimates and includes commercial arrangements protecting taxpayers while supporting critical freight routes between Auckland and Christchurch. The programme also features new marine infrastructure, strict project management, and a long-term strategy to maintain rail ferry services for future generations.
Tags: Winston Peters KiwiRail Kupe Cook Cook Strait CentrePort Port Marlborough Ferry Holdings Guangzhou Shipyard International Interislander$10M Investment for 14 New Classrooms Boosts Lower North Island Schools
18 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 514 viewsEducation Minister Erica Stanford announced a $10 million investment to build 14 new classrooms and two technology spaces in lower North Island schools facing capacity pressures, bringing the total new classrooms funded in the region to 153 over three years and over 1,400 nationwide. The government has improved efficiency by using standard designs and off-site manufacturing, saving $300 million reinvested into education, allowing more classrooms to be delivered while also addressing aging school facilities through upgrades at eight schools. This balanced approach focuses on expanding capacity and maintaining existing school infrastructure to ensure safe, modern learning environments for students.
Tags: Erica Stanford Education Minister Feilding High School Paraparaumu College Wainuiomata High School Mount Cook School Hutt Valley High School Mana College Porirua School Waiopehu CollegeNew Chair Matt Clarke and Members Appointed to Game Animal Council from July 2026
11 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 542 viewsHunting and Fishing Minister James Meager announced four new appointments to the Game Animal Council, including Matt Clarke as Chair for a two-year term starting 1 July 2026, alongside members Paula Bennett, Bruce McKenzie, Jim Goodall, and the reappointment of Callum Sheridan for three-year terms. The appointees bring diverse expertise in governance, conservation, hunting, and sector leadership, enhancing the Council's role in advising on sustainable hunting and collaboration with stakeholders. The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chair Grant Dodson and members John Cook and Andrew Simpson.
Tags: James Meager Matthew Clarke Paula Bennett Bruce McKenzie Jim Goodall Callum Sheridan Grant Dodson John Cook Andrew Simpson Game Animal CouncilNew Zealand and Cook Islands Sign Historic Defence & Security Declaration
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 834 viewsNew Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a Defence & Security Declaration to clarify and strengthen their special constitutional relationship, particularly regarding defence and security responsibilities amid a complex strategic environment. The Declaration resolves previous misunderstandings, restores New Zealand’s financial support to the Cook Islands, and establishes mutual commitments including consultation on defence matters, New Zealand’s role as the primary security partner, and cooperation on foreign policy within constitutional limits. Both nations have agreed not to engage with other partners in ways that would undermine these commitments, aiming to enhance their partnership and address shared challenges together.
Tags: New Zealand Cook Islands Winston Peters Norman Kirk Albert Henry Prime Minister Brown Defence & Security Declaration free association New Zealand Defence Force Letters PatentForeign Minister Winston Peters to Visit Cook Islands for Talks with PM Brown
31 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 752 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters will visit the Cook Islands on April 1-2 for talks with Prime Minister Mark Brown. This visit follows a private meeting between the two leaders in Auckland earlier this month. Peters last visited the Cook Islands in February 2024.
Tags: Winston Peters Mark Brown Foreign Minister Prime Minister Cook Islands New Zealand Auckland visit talks February 2024Attorney-General Appoints Two New District Court Judges for Palmerston North and Nelson
20 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1015 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Prudence McGuire and Christopher Macklin as new District Court Judges, to commence their roles in April and May 2026 at Palmerston North and Nelson Courts, respectively. Ms. McGuire, a Rotorua-based barrister with extensive experience in family and criminal law, will be sworn in on 21 April 2026, while Mr. Macklin, a Nelson-based barrister specializing in criminal and regulatory litigation, will be sworn in on 15 May 2026. Both appointees have significant legal backgrounds, including prosecutorial roles and leadership positions within the legal community.
Tags: Judith Collins Prudence McGuire Christopher Macklin LW Goodman Wollerman Cooke McClure Davys Burton Russell McVeagh Gordon and Pilditch NZLS Criminal Law Committee Palmerston North District CourtGovernment Invests $60K for 51st Polyfest Celebrating Pacific Culture and Youth
12 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 987 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $60,000 to support the 51st Polyfest in 2026, celebrating Pacific culture, youth leadership, and community strength. Alongside cultural support, the Government is improving Pacific peoples' quality of life through initiatives in safety, education, health, housing, and employment. Polyfest 2026 will feature diverse Pacific stages and promote environmental stewardship under the theme of Pacific youth as eco-warriors.
Tags: Polyfest Dr Shane Reti Pacific Peoples Minister Ministry for Pacific Peoples Toloa STEM scholarships Alo Vaka Cook Islands Niue Samoa TongaDiscover Different: Explore Canterbury & West Coast This Autumn 2026
14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1117 viewsCanterbury and the West Coast’s regional tourism organisations will receive $1 million to launch the Discover Different campaign, promoting the regions' attractions during autumn and targeting Australian visitors. The initiative highlights the natural beauty, local food and drink, and unique experiences across Canterbury and the West Coast, aiming to support local businesses and boost regional tourism. Delivered through a collaboration of regional bodies, this campaign is part of a broader $3.69 million Regional Tourism Boost funding to attract international visitors to New Zealand’s regions in autumn and early winter 2026.
Tags: Canterbury West Coast Louise Upston Aoraki Mount Cook Kaikoura Hanmer ChristchurchNZ Destination Kaikōura Visit Hurunui Venture TimaruGovernment Cancels Cook Strait Emergency Ocean Response Vessel Procurement Due to High Costs
24 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 915 viewsThe Government has decided against procuring dedicated emergency ocean response capabilities (EORC) for the Cook Strait due to significant cost escalations—from $80 million to over $259 million over 10 years—and limited benefits, as existing vessels have resolved past incidents effectively. New Cook Strait ferries with enhanced safety features will reduce the need for external assistance, and the temporary contract for the MMA Vision tugboat will end in February 2026, saving $9 million. Overall, the Government concludes that the investment in dedicated towing capabilities is not cost-effective and cannot justify passing costs onto taxpayers or users through levies.
Tags: Chris Bishop Cook Strait Maritime NZ MMA Vision Golden Mind Ministry of Transport Budget 2024 Cabinet Emergency Ocean Response Capability Transport Minister