Articles tagged with Ct
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Minister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost
15 Oct 2025, 10:18 AM | 12 months ago | 1055 viewsMinister Louise Upston has praised the progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, emphasizing the focus on matching them with employers through targeted case management. The Ministry for Social Development is increasing case management places and rolling out Individual Employment Plans to help clients become job-ready. MSD aims to support job seekers in securing positions now and in the future, aligning with the government's Jobseeker reduction target and economic growth projections.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction targetGovernment's Mandate on Structured Literacy and Math Improves Student Engagement and Ability, ERO Report Confirms
15 Oct 2025, 9:15 AM | 12 months ago | 1218 viewsThe Education Review Office (ERO) research confirms that the Government's decision to mandate structured literacy and mathematics has led to improved student engagement and ability. Teachers, parents, and students have reported better progress in English and maths, with new approaches like structured literacy improving attention and behavior in the classroom. The government's investment in teacher training and resources has resulted in 80% of teachers changing their teaching methods, with a focus on explicit teaching techniques benefiting all schools, particularly those in lower socio-economic communities.
Tags: Education Review Office Government structured literacy structured mathematics student engagement ability Education Minister Erica Stanford primary school teachers English mathsNew Zealand Parliament Passes Legislation to Scrap Advertising Restrictions, Boosting Local Media Revenue
14 Oct 2025, 3:52 PM | 12 months ago | 973 viewsLegislation passing third reading in Parliament today will eliminate advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays, according to Media Minister Paul Goldsmith. The aim is to ensure local media companies are not disadvantaged compared to digital streaming platforms. The change is expected to generate around $6 million annually and is seen as necessary due to the increasing popularity of streaming services like YouTube in New Zealand.
Tags: advertising restrictions broadcasters Sundays public holidays legislation Parliament Media Minister Paul Goldsmith local media companiesNew Zealand Government Secures Guangzhou Shipyard for Two Ferry Builds
14 Oct 2025, 2:15 PM | 12 months ago | 1300 viewsThe Government has selected Guangzhou Shipyard International to build two new ferries through Ferry Holdings Limited. Rail Minister Winston Peters highlighted GSI's expertise and capabilities as a leading shipbuilding enterprise in Southern China. Negotiations are ongoing, with details to be disclosed upon completion, including agreements with CentrePort Limited and Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited, aiming for completion in 2029 with cost-effective solutions to benefit New Zealand taxpayers.
Tags: Government Ferry Holdings Limited Guangzhou Shipyard International Rail Minister Winston Peters GSI New Zealand taxpayers ferry replacement programme CentrePort Limited Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited project iReXReserve Bank Eases Lending Restrictions for First Home Buyers, Finance Minister Welcomes Move
14 Oct 2025, 12:10 PM | 12 months ago | 1268 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has praised the Reserve Bank's plan to relax lending restrictions, aiming to assist first home buyers in achieving home ownership. The Reserve Bank is considering increasing the limit on new lending to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit to 25%, potentially aiding more first-time buyers. Additionally, the proposal includes raising the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits under 30% from 5% to 10%, following the introduction of debt-to-income restrictions to enhance banking system resilience.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank lending restrictions first home buyers property ladder Kiwis loan to value DTI restrictions banking systemGovernment Decisions on Pharmacy Ownership and Medical Advertising in Upcoming Bill
14 Oct 2025, 10:48 AM | 12 months ago | 1228 viewsCabinet papers reveal upcoming Medical Products Bill changes including the removal of pharmacy ownership restrictions to enhance access to healthcare. The bill will introduce a supervisory pharmacist role and allow advertising of unapproved medicines under certain conditions. Modernizing advertising regulations will provide better access to medical product information while ensuring consumer safety.
Tags: Casey Costello Government decisions Pharmacy ownership Medical Products Bill Advertising of medicines Supervisory pharmacist Patient safety Pharmacy standards Consumer safety Medical conferencesStructured Literacy Mandate Boosting Reading Success Nationwide, Education Minister Reports
13 Oct 2025, 9:51 PM | 12 months ago | 1204 viewsThe Government's mandate of structured literacy is positively impacting reading achievement nationwide, according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. All primary schools now teach structured literacy and the new English curriculum, with new entrants undergoing a phonics check after 20 weeks to assess reading progress. Phonics data shows a significant increase in reading success, with improvements seen across the country, leading to a reduction in students needing targeted support and notable advancements in Māori and Pacific student achievement.
Tags: structured literacy reading achievement Education Minister Erica Stanford phonics data student achievement literacy reforms Māori students Pacific students equity decilesGovernment's Vehicle Seizure Program Recovers $225K
12 Oct 2025, 6:20 PM | 12 months ago | 1197 viewsThe Government is expanding its trial of clamping or seizing cars of individuals who fail to pay court fines, having already returned over $225,000 and seized 115 vehicles. The initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines effectively, with 982 people identified as having overdue fines or reparations, resulting in 278 immediate payments and 127 setting up payment arrangements. The success of the trial has led to the recovery of funds and the decision to expand the program, with plans to increase the number of number plate scanners in operation nationwide.
Tags: Government trial clamping seizing court fines Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith bailiffs number plates victimsNew Hospital Procurement Process Begins in Drury for South Auckland Health Precinct
10 Oct 2025, 6:38 PM | 1 year ago | 1226 viewsThe Health Minister announced the beginning of the procurement process to secure land in Drury for a new hospital in South Auckland, aiming to address the increasing demand and pressure on bed capacity in the region. The new hospital will provide much-needed beds, modern facilities, and expanded emergency services to serve the fast-growing community with significant health challenges. The investment in modern health facilities aligns with the government's goal of improving healthcare services and outcomes for New Zealanders.
Tags: hospital South Auckland procurement process Drury health precinct Health Minister Simeon Brown Health New Zealand infrastructure Auckland's growing population MiddlemoreNew Zealand-Singapore Trade Boosted by Strategic Food Partnership and Essential Supplies Agreement
10 Oct 2025, 4:16 PM | 1 year ago | 1277 viewsNew Zealand and Singapore have strengthened their trade relationship through the launch of a Strategic Food Partnership and the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, announced by Minister Todd McClay. The Strategic Food Partnership aims to enhance agrifood trade, facilitate the movement of high-quality food, and promote investment and innovation in the primary and food production sectors. The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies ensures the continuous flow of goods like food and fuel during crises, with a crisis-response arrangement to prevent export curbs and support supply chain resilience.
Tags: New Zealand Singapore Strategic Food Partnership Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies Todd McClay agrifood trade investment research innovation primary productionGovernment Awards $129,000 for Seaweed Removal in Northland After Cyclone Tam
10 Oct 2025, 3:00 PM | 1 year ago | 1153 viewsThe Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
Tags: Government Northland Regional Council Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emergency waste funding caulerpa seaweed local hapū marine ecosystems Tasman District Council Ministry for Primary IndustriesGovernment Allocates $3M to Extend Active Me - Kia Tū Fund for Youth
10 Oct 2025, 11:15 AM | 1 year ago | 1207 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.
Tags: Government Sport and Recreation Minister Hon Mark Mitchell Variety – The Children’s Charity Sport NZ New Zealanders financial hardship physical activity communities young peopleChristchurch Care Residence Upgraded for High Needs Children: Te Oranga Reopens with Therapeutic Focus
10 Oct 2025, 10:40 AM | 1 year ago | 1441 viewsTe Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch is being upgraded and reopened to provide therapeutic, trauma-informed care for children with high and complex needs. Admissions were paused in 2021 due to staffing issues and underinvestment, but the residence will resume operations after undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. Minister Karen Chhour highlights the government's commitment to enhancing care for children, emphasizing the importance of professional standards and investments in facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth.
Tags: Christchurch Care and Protection Residence Te Oranga Minister for Children Karen Chhour vulnerable children Oranga Tamariki infrastructure upgrade therapeutic care professional standardsAccelerated Overseas Investment Decisions Boost New Zealand Business Growth and Job Creation
10 Oct 2025, 9:07 AM | 1 year ago | 1187 viewsAssociate Finance Minister David Seymour highlights the importance of faster overseas investment decisions for businesses to access capital and create jobs with higher wages. Changes to the Overseas Investment Act have led to significant improvements in processing times, with almost 87% of consent applications processed faster than before. The government aims to streamline the process further to attract more investment, boost economic growth, and support job creation in New Zealand.
Tags: David Seymour LINZ Overseas Investment Act New Zealanders Minister Capital Investment Processing times National Interest Test RegulationsAmendments to Policing Act: Enhancing Police Powers for Public Safety & Crime Prevention
09 Oct 2025, 3:20 PM | 1 year ago | 1166 viewsThe Cabinet has decided to amend the Policing Act to clarify Police's authority to gather intelligence in public places and expand their powers to temporarily close areas in response to antisocial behavior or safety risks. Recent court decisions have raised uncertainty about Police's ability to record images in public spaces, prompting the proposed amendments to reaffirm their authority for lawful purposes. These changes aim to restore Police's crime prevention capabilities, support prosecutions, respond to evolving threats like organized crime, and enhance interventions for public safety, youth offending, and family harm.
Tags: Police Mark Mitchell Policing Act intelligence gathering crime prevention organised crime gang activity public safety youth offending family harm