Articles tagged with Ct
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Massey University Boosts Domestic Veterinary Science Places to 140 from 2027
09 Oct 2026, 11:51 AM | 1 day ago | 43 viewsFrom 2027, Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme will increase funded domestic places from 125 to 140 annually to help meet future demand for veterinarians, announced Minister Penny Simmonds. To accommodate this, the university will reduce international student intake from 50 to 35, with the government providing a $6 million grant over five years to offset lost international fee revenue. This initiative aims to strengthen New Zealand’s veterinary workforce and is funded through reprioritised existing tertiary education budgets, with final decisions by the Tertiary Education Commission.
Tags: Massey University Bachelor of Veterinary Science Penny Simmonds New Zealand veterinary workforce Tertiary Education Commission Lulu Jansen Palmerston North Education and Training Act 2020 Vote Tertiary EducationSimplified Food Safety Rules Proposed to Help NZ Food Businesses Cut Red Tape
09 Oct 2026, 10:52 AM | 1 day ago | 50 viewsThe Government is proposing updates to New Zealand's Simply Safe & Suitable food control plan to simplify food safety obligations by reducing paperwork, focusing on key risks, and using clearer, business-friendly language. Key changes include less testing and record-keeping, a modular template tailored to operations, and clearer links between hazards and corrective actions, alongside recent measures like free online training and eased rules for certain food businesses. Consultation on these proposals runs until 15 November 2026, with further reforms such as ongoing registration expected by mid-2025.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand MPI Food Act Simply Safe & Suitable food safety food businesses food control plan food safety consultationsInvestigation Launched to Review Christchurch Planning Rules for Apollo Stadium Site Redevelopment
09 Oct 2026, 8:44 AM | 1 day ago | 47 viewsAn investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
Tags: Chris Bishop Phil Mauger Christchurch Apollo Projects Stadium RMA Reform Christchurch City Council Resource Management Act One New Zealand Stadium Eden Park Jack Hinton DriveGovernment Overhauls Resource Management Act to Boost NZ Electricity and Telecom Networks
08 Oct 2026, 12:10 PM | 2 days ago | 72 viewsThe Government has completed the largest overhaul of national direction under the Resource Management Act, introducing new National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities (NES-ENA) and Telecommunication Facilities (NES-TF) to streamline and standardize rules, making it faster and more affordable to build and upgrade infrastructure. These reforms replace outdated, inconsistent planning requirements with clearer, nationally consistent rules that facilitate routine maintenance, upgrades, and the rollout of modern technologies like 5G, while reducing unnecessary consenting costs and delays. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, serve as a bridge to the new planning system and aim to support housing, infrastructure, energy, and primary sectors with improved environmental and development outcomes.
Tags: Resource Management Act Chris Bishop National Environmental Standards Electricity Network Activities Telecommunication Facilities New Zealand Government Transpower 5GNew Rules Proposed to Prevent Prolonged Dog Confinement in New Zealand
08 Oct 2026, 10:34 AM | 2 days ago | 94 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, is seeking public feedback on proposed rules to prevent dogs from being confined in cages or kennels for excessively long periods, which can cause anxiety, fear, and aggression. The proposals would allow Animal Welfare Inspectors to issue $500 fines to owners if dogs show two or more signs of prolonged confinement harm, while clarifying that normal short-term confinement, such as kennelling at night or during farm work, remains acceptable. Consultation on these rules, including views on dog breeding and commercial services, opens from 12 October to 23 November 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard SPCA New Zealand Associate Agriculture Minister Animal Welfare Inspectors dog confinement dog welfare dog breeding government consultation dog exerciseOtago Central Lakes Deal: 10-Year Plan for Housing, Infrastructure & Growth
06 Oct 2026, 2:34 PM | 3 days ago | 94 viewsThe Government has signed a 10-year City and Regional Deal with Otago Central Lakes councils to support housing, infrastructure, and economic growth, guided by a 30-year vision to diversify the region’s economy beyond tourism. The Deal includes commitments to improve housing affordability, transport infrastructure, energy capacity, health services, and rural economic development through coordinated central and local government efforts. An Oversight Board will monitor progress, with an Implementation Plan to be completed within six months, ensuring the region’s growth benefits residents and attracts investment.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Otago Central Lakes Queenstown Lakes District Council Central Otago District Council Otago Regional Council New Zealand Government NZTA Queenstown Electrification Accelerator Otago Central Lakes DealQueenstown Cable Car Project Secures $265M Funding via Active Investor Plus Visa
06 Oct 2026, 11:58 AM | 4 days ago | 140 viewsThe Queenstown Cable Car project by Southern Infrastructure Limited has secured an initial $265 million private lending agreement with Private Capital Group, funded partly through the Government’s Active Investor Plus visa program. This cable car aims to connect key areas in Queenstown, providing a rapid public transport solution to alleviate road congestion amid the region’s rapid growth. The project exemplifies the government’s strategy to attract international investment for infrastructure development, leveraging private capital and innovative funding to address New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
Tags: Queenstown Cable Car Southern Infrastructure Limited Chris Bishop Erica Stanford Private Capital Group Active Investor Plus visa New Zealand infrastructure Government funding Queenstown transport immigration investmentWaikato’s SH26 Bridge to Get $5M Upgrade for Safer, Resilient Transport
06 Oct 2026, 10:30 AM | 4 days ago | 102 viewsThe New Zealand government will allocate $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to replace the nearly century-old Piraunui Stream Bridge on State Highway 26, a vital transport route in Waikato. This proactive investment aims to ensure resilient infrastructure, support economic growth, and maintain safe, reliable connections for communities and freight operators. Design and consenting work will start within six months, with construction planned for 2027, pending approvals.
Tags: Waikato Shane Jones Chris Bishop Piraunui Stream Bridge State Highway 26 Regional Infrastructure Fund transport infrastructure regional development economic growth New ZealandNorthland Shipyard Fast-Track Approved, Boosting NZ Economy and Jobs
05 Oct 2026, 8:02 AM | 5 days ago | 94 viewsThe Environmental Protection Authority has accepted the Fast-track application for the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project, which will now be reviewed by an independent expert panel. The government has allocated $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support this nationally significant facility, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas dry docks and boost New Zealand's economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs, enhance vessel maintenance efficiency, and deliver substantial economic benefits to Northland and the country.
Tags: Northland Shipyard Dry Dock Environmental Protection Authority Shane Jones Marsden Point Regional Development Minister New Zealand infrastructure Regional Infrastructure FundGovernment Grants $5.7M to Support Regional Airlines Amid Rising Costs
05 Oct 2026, 5:00 AM | 5 days ago | 90 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund will allocate $5.7 million in working capital grants to regional airlines to help them manage rising operating costs, particularly due to increased fuel prices, and maintain essential regional air services. These temporary, targeted grants, ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, are based on airlines’ passenger volumes and flight movements, with the expectation that service levels will be preserved. This funding complements nearly $26 million already provided in loans for aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and debt refinancing, demonstrating the Government's commitment to sustaining regional connectivity and supporting remote communities.
Tags: Shane Jones James Meager Regional Infrastructure Fund Regional Development Minister Associate Transport Minister Air Chathams Sounds Air Island Air Golden Bay Air Stewart Island FlightsLand Secured for Future Hospital in Drury to Boost South Auckland Healthcare
03 Oct 2026, 9:07 AM | 1 week ago | 111 viewsLand 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.
Tags: Simeon Brown South Auckland Drury Karaka Road Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ngākōroa railway station State Highway 22 National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Health New Zealand New ZealandNew Plymouth District Plan Updates to Boost Housing, Growth, and Development
02 Oct 2026, 12:31 PM | 1 week ago | 122 viewsTargeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan will simplify building and development processes by removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers, thereby supporting economic growth and reducing costs. Following an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, which included public consultation and feedback, the government identified provisions negatively impacting development and decided to proceed with practical changes to various planning controls. These changes aim to improve planning system efficiency, maintain environmental safeguards, and foster investment and employment, with regulations currently being drafted for Cabinet approval.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Plymouth Resource Management Act RMA Reform New Plymouth District Council Mayor of New Plymouth RMA 1991 New Plymouth District Plan Government CabinetGovernment Advances Safety Upgrades for SH60 Intersection Near Richmond, Tasman
01 Oct 2026, 12:07 PM | 1 week ago | 168 viewsThe Government is advancing safety upgrades at the busy SH60, Pugh Road, and McShane Road intersection near Richmond following 22 crashes since 2021 and community concerns. Design work is underway with NZTA, consultants, and local stakeholders, aiming for construction funding consideration in the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme. This initiative is part of a broader increase in South Island transport investment, including a $20 million upgrade on SH620 Tākaka Hill and a 66 percent funding rise for the Top of the South region.
Tags: James Meager Tasman State Highway SH60 Richmond NZTA Tasman District Council National Land Transport Programme Tākaka Hill South Island roadsSouthland and Clutha Severe Weather Declared Medium-Scale Adverse Event for Farmers
01 Oct 2026, 11:50 AM | 1 week ago | 131 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have classified the extreme wet and cold conditions in Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking up to $50,000 in support for local Rural Support Trusts and tax relief for affected farmers. The ongoing harsh weather, linked to El Niño, has severely impacted farmers during critical periods like calving and lambing, prompting coordinated efforts by MPI, regional councils, and farming organizations to provide assistance. Farmers and growers are encouraged to seek help through various support services, including the Rural Support Trust and MPI, with multiple contact numbers provided for immediate aid.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Southland Clutha District Ministry for Primary Industries DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Federated Farmers Rural Support Trust Ministry of Social DevelopmentEnzed Energy Files Second Permit Application for Toutouwai Prospect in Taranaki Basin
01 Oct 2026, 10:07 AM | 1 week ago | 116 viewsEnzed Energy has submitted a second application for a petroleum exploration permit targeting the Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, signaling growing confidence in New Zealand's energy sector following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The government has opened a competitive process for a 2400 sq km permit area, with applications due by January 18, 2027, and will assess candidates based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria. Natural gas remains vital for New Zealand's energy security and economic resilience, and renewed exploration efforts aim to unlock new resources and support growth.
Tags: Enzed Energy Shane Jones Toutouwai prospect Taranaki Basin OMV New Zealand TotalEnergies EP Aotearoa ENZ Subsidiary 2 Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Crown Minerals Act Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025