Articles tagged with Ct
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Hauraki Gulf Shellfish Harvest Ban Extended for Two More Years to Protect Fisheries
03 Aug 2026, 8:00 AM | 2 months ago | 544 viewsA two-year extension has been granted for shellfish harvesting bans at Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, requested by local iwi groups to help replenish marine resources. These closures support the Pou Rāhui Research Project, which combines mātauranga Māori and scientific methods to restore important species and train whānau in sustainable practices. The bans, effective from August 7, 2026, cover specific shellfish species and areas, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability and kaitiakitanga of customary fisheries.
Tags: Shane Jones Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki Ngāti Tamaterā Ngāti Pāoa Pou Rāhui Research Project Hauraki Gulf Umupuia Beach Te Mātā Waipatukahu Waiheke IslandInvestigation Launched into Environmental Impact of Former Whanganui Landfill
31 Jul 2026, 4:57 PM | 2 months ago | 573 viewsThe New Zealand government, alongside the Whanganui District Council, has allocated $464,000 to investigate the environmental impacts of the former Balgownie Landfill, which operated from 1956 to 2001 without modern containment features. The project aims to assess contamination and leachate effects on nearby waterways and wetlands, informing long-term remedial actions to protect the environment. This investigation complements ongoing community restoration efforts and involves collaboration with Whanganui hapū to enhance cultural and environmental values in the Whanganui Catchment, with completion expected by October 2027.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Whanganui Balgownie Landfill Whanganui District Council Te Awa Tupua Contaminated Sites Fund Vulnerable Landfills Fund Whanganui hapū Minister for the EnvironmentHon Paul Davison Appointed Independent Redress Officer Under Abuse in Care Act
31 Jul 2026, 3:35 PM | 2 months ago | 535 viewsHon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed as the Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term starting 1 August 2026, tasked with determining financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are serious offenders, as well as exemption applications from terminally ill survivors. Hon Davison, a former High Court judge with extensive legal experience, has previously served in significant inquiry roles and developed a compassionate redress framework for survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of this independent role and thanked Hon Davison for accepting the position.
Tags: Paul Davison Erica Stanford Independent Redress Officer Redress System for Abuse in Care Act High Court judge Royal Commission of Inquiry Oakley Hospital Inquiry Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit financial redress applicationsGovernment Achieves Early Training Target for 10,000 Frontline Family Violence Workers
31 Jul 2026, 11:10 AM | 2 months ago | 554 viewsThe government has achieved its target of training 10,000 frontline workers in family and sexual violence prevention nearly six months ahead of schedule, enhancing support for victim/survivors. Key agencies including NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki, Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and ACC have delivered training aligned with workforce capability frameworks to improve recognition, response, and referral skills. Ongoing efforts include specialized training for court staff, extensive Corrections staff training, and revamped Police recruit courses to sustain and expand these capabilities through 2026.
Tags: Karen Chhour Te Aorerekura NZ Police Oranga Tamariki Ministry of Justice Department of Corrections ACC family violence sexual violence frontline workersGreyhound Racing Ends in NZ: New Hope and Homes for 1400 Dogs
31 Jul 2026, 5:09 AM | 2 months ago | 566 viewsRacing Minister Winston Peters announced the end of commercial greyhound racing by 31 July 2026, following legislation passed due to unacceptable injury and death rates in the industry. The Greyhound Transition Agency has been appointed to coordinate the fully funded Greyhound Rehoming Project, providing financial support to owners and trainers until the estimated 1400 dogs are rehomed. Peters emphasized strong public support for ending racing, highlighted the industry's recent fatality, and called on New Zealanders to help provide these dogs with loving homes.
Tags: Winston Peters Greyhound Transition Agency Greyhound Rehoming Project New Zealand greyhound racing TAB Addington Greyhound racing legislation racing dogs rehoming programGovernment Signs $3.65B PPP Agreement for Northland Expressway Warkworth to Te Hana
30 Jul 2026, 3:03 PM | 2 months ago | 669 viewsThe New Zealand Government has signed a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain, and operate the 26-kilometre Northland Expressway section from Warkworth to Te Hana, aiming to boost regional economic growth, improve safety, and reduce travel times. The $3.649 billion project, supported by a $1.6 billion Crown Capital Contribution and structured with performance-based payments over 25 years, incorporates extensive infrastructure including tunnels, bridges, and interchanges, with construction starting in late 2027 and completion expected by 2034. This PPP model leverages competitive procurement, risk-sharing, and local employment opportunities, ensuring value for taxpayers while fostering sustainable development and long-term operational standards.
Tags: Chris Bishop Northway consortium New Zealand Transport Agency Acciona Concesiones SL Global Sustainable Infrastructure GP IV Ltd Acciona Construction New Zealand Ltd Downer New Zealand AECOM Treasury PPP Policy Guidance Transport MinisterNew Hazardous Substances Rules Improve Lab Safety and Cut Compliance Costs
30 Jul 2026, 12:38 PM | 2 months ago | 637 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced new hazardous substances regulations effective today that provide tailored safety requirements for laboratories, reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong safety standards. The 2017 regulations had imposed industrial-level requirements on laboratories, leading to impractical and costly renovations estimated between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, with some rules potentially compromising safety. The updated regulations introduce a dedicated compliance pathway with risk management plans and an Approved Code of Practice developed with industry, supporting science and innovation while ensuring health and safety protections.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Universities New Zealand Independent Research Association of New Zealand Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment Health and Safety at Work Hazardous Substances Regulations Approved Code of Practice Workplace Relations and Safety Minister scientists laboratoriesEmployment Leave Bill Passes Final Reading: New Simple Leave System Introduced
29 Jul 2026, 7:46 PM | 2 months ago | 605 viewsThe Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees. Key reforms include hourly accrual of annual and sick leave, leave available from day one, a single hourly pay rate for all leave types, and greater flexibility in cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month transition period for implementation. The government aims to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth shift to this streamlined system, addressing long-standing calls for reform.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Bill Holidays Act Workplace Relations and Safety MBIE Government Kiwis Employment New Zealand annual leave sick leaveGovernment Invests $3.9M to Expand Predator Free Dunedin and Protect Otago Wildlife
29 Jul 2026, 3:58 PM | 2 months ago | 538 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $3.9 million to expand Predator Free 2050 efforts in Otago, building on previous funding for Wellington and Auckland to support successful predator elimination projects. The funding will target the removal of stoats, feral cats, and possums across key areas while enhancing biosecurity and monitoring to protect native wildlife and biodiversity. Additionally, the project will trial advanced technologies such as AI-enabled traps and rapid-response systems to improve predator detection and control.
Tags: Otago Predator Free 2050 Dunedin Tama Potaka Wellington Auckland Port Chalmers Orokonui Ecosanctuary Aramoana Peninsula Blueskin BayNew Zealand Seeks Local Industry for Long-Range Strike Drone Acquisition
29 Jul 2026, 2:13 PM | 2 months ago | 545 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Defence Minister Chris Penk, is initiating the purchase of long-range one-way strike drones, prioritizing local industry innovation and capability. These human-operated, non-autonomous drones offer a cost-effective alternative to missiles and align with efforts to modernize Defence amid an unpredictable security environment. Additionally, Defence plans to research unarmed long-range drones for maritime surveillance, encouraging domestic businesses to participate, with investments outlined in the Defence Capability Plan totaling $100 million to $300 million.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Kiwi industry Defence Capability Plan uncrewed aircraft systems Defence Minister advanced manufacturing drone technology maritime surveillanceNew Youth Hubs in Hamilton, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay Boost Mental Health Support
29 Jul 2026, 1:52 PM | 2 months ago | 616 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $3 million to establish three Youth Hubs in Hamilton, Nelson, and Hawke's Bay to provide faster, easier access to mental health and addiction support for young people aged 16 to 25. These hubs will offer counseling, peer support, and specialist services in one location, designed with input from young people to better meet their needs and reduce system fragmentation. Additionally, a $1 million investment is enhancing youth acute respite services in Waikato and Hawke's Bay to provide timely support and prevent crises from escalating.
Tags: Mental Health Addiction Support Youth Hubs Matt Doocey Suicide Prevention Hamilton Nelson Hawke's Bay Waikato Youth Mental HealthFast-Track Approval Granted for SH1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass
29 Jul 2026, 11:44 AM | 2 months ago | 609 viewsThe State Highway 1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project has received Fast-track approval, marking it as the 27th project approved through this process and the second roading project to do so. The 11 km expansion aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, support economic development, and unlock housing growth in North Canterbury, with traffic expected to increase significantly by 2048. The expert panel determined that environmental impacts can be managed through consent conditions, and the project supports the region’s rapid residential and commercial growth.
Tags: Mr Bishop Mr Jones New Zealand Transport Agency SH1 Woodend Bypass Pegasus North Canterbury Waimakariri District State Highway 1New Zealand Government Responds to COVID-19 Inquiry with 63 Accepted Recommendations
29 Jul 2026, 11:07 AM | 2 months ago | 545 viewsThe Government has accepted all 63 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, aiming to provide timely, targeted support and release key pandemic advice within five working days in future crises. It acknowledges past mistakes, including prolonged restrictions and misallocated funds, and commits to restoring fiscal discipline while reviewing the Health Act to balance public health, the economy, and individual rights. Emphasizing transparency and trust, the Government has proactively released all COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group advice and pledges to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to future shocks.
Tags: Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Ministry of Health Labour Government CV TAG Health Act Emergency supportAuckland Launches Third Mental Health Co-Response Team to Improve Crisis Support
29 Jul 2026, 10:29 AM | 2 months ago | 632 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched Auckland's third mental health co-response team to provide timely, appropriate support for people in mental distress, reducing reliance on criminal justice responses. These teams, comprising police and mental health workers, operate during peak demand times and have already shown positive outcomes, including fewer emergency department referrals and increased wraparound support. Funded by a $28 million Budget 2025 investment, the initiative aims to roll out 10 such teams nationwide to improve crisis response for 111 mental health calls.
Tags: Matt Doocey Auckland Police Station Mental Health Minister Counties Manukau Waitematā Middlemore Hospital Wellington New Zealand Government Budget 2025 Mental Health ActNew Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit Granted in Taranaki Basin, NZ
29 Jul 2026, 10:02 AM | 2 months ago | 653 viewsNew Zealand has granted its first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since reversing the ban, awarding Australian company EnZed Energy a 12-year permit for a 546 sq km area east of the Kupe gas field in the Taranaki Basin. This move signals renewed investor confidence and aims to address declining natural gas reserves, which have dropped 23% to the lowest level in over two decades, emphasizing the importance of exploration for future energy security. The government highlights that natural gas remains crucial for electricity generation and industry, and exploration is essential to assess New Zealand’s remaining resource potential.
Tags: Shane Jones EnZed Energy New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Kupe gas field Taranaki Basin Kaheru prospect Coalition Government petroleum exploration natural gas energy security