Articles tagged with Ct
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$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026, 12:06 PM | 1 month ago | 464 viewsMinister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated to other councils impacted in October 2025. This funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by recent changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. The recipients include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, and Whangarei councils for 2026 events, and Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore councils for 2025 events.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the Environment$250,000 Emergency Waste Funding for Councils Affected by Severe Weather
17 Aug 2026, 12:06 PM | 1 month ago | 464 viewsMinister Nicola Grigg announced $250,000 in emergency waste funding for five councils affected by severe weather in early 2026, supplementing $130,000 allocated in October 2025. The funding supports councils in managing waste from flood damage, fallen trees, and repairing waste infrastructure, enabled by changes to the Waste Minimisation Act allowing the Waste Disposal Levy to cover emergency waste costs. Councils receiving funds include Gisborne, Manawatū, Ōtorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, Whangarei, Ruapehu, Clutha, and Gore districts.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Gisborne District Council Manawatū District Council Ōtorohanga District Council Whangarei District Council Ruapehu District Council Clutha District Council Gore District Council Minister for the EnvironmentNew Zealand Launches Revised National Plan to Protect and Sustain Sharks
14 Aug 2026, 1:56 PM | 1 month ago | 522 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.
Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand National Plan of Action sharks conservation Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand shark finning ban tangata whenua marine ecosystemsGovernment Ends ‘Offensive Trades’ Registration, Saving Businesses Time and Money
14 Aug 2026, 12:33 PM | 1 month ago | 464 viewsThe Government is abolishing the ‘offensive trades’ registration under the 1956 Health Act to reduce unnecessary compliance costs and save businesses time and money. This change, supported by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, recognizes that modern environmental and industry-specific regulations sufficiently manage these trades, making annual registrations obsolete. The reform is expected to save up to $2.26 million over 10 years and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape and improve productivity.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Government Health Act 1956 offensive trades Regulation Minister Ministry of Regulation Red Tape Tipline business compliance local councilsHamilton District Plan Review: Consultation on Housing and Development Provisions
14 Aug 2026, 9:29 AM | 1 month ago | 565 viewsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched a public consultation on specific provisions in the Hamilton City Operative District Plan that may unnecessarily increase development costs and complexity, particularly affecting social and affordable housing. The review focuses on rules related to electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, deep soil planting, urban tree canopy, and building design controls, aiming to ensure planning regulations support economic growth and housing supply. Consultation runs from 24 August to 7 September 2026, after which officials will analyze submissions and advise the Government on potential regulatory changes under the Resource Management Act.
Tags: Chris Bishop Hamilton City Council Waikato Regional Council Waikato District Council Waipa Council Ministry for the Environment RMA Reform Resource Management Act MCERTGovernment Enhances Infrastructure Funding to Support Fast-Track Developments in NZ
14 Aug 2026, 7:23 AM | 1 month ago | 525 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing infrastructure funding settings to ensure growth-related costs from Fast-track developments are recoverable by councils, addressing challenges like out-of-sequence projects and cross-boundary infrastructure impacts. Amendments to the Local Government Act 2002 will allow councils to update Development Contribution policies and recover costs more flexibly, serving as an interim measure until the new Development Levies system becomes operational in 2029. These changes aim to balance the acceleration of development through Fast-track approvals with fair infrastructure funding, supporting economic growth while maintaining effective service delivery.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Development Contributions Development Levies Local Government Act 2002 Housing Growth Infrastructure funding New Zealand GovernmentEPA Cuts Wait Times for Hazardous Substances to Boost NZ Farmers' Access to Products
13 Aug 2026, 4:02 PM | 1 month ago | 585 viewsFarmers and rural businesses in New Zealand are gaining faster access to essential crop protection products due to significant improvements in the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) hazardous substances assessment processes, which have halved application wait times since July 2024. The EPA completed a record number of assessments in 2025/26 and reduced the backlog by over a third, reflecting the Government's commitment to efficient regulatory processing while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. Additionally, reforms to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are underway to further streamline application procedures and support innovation, with the Primary Production Select Committee expected to report on the amendments in September.
Tags: Nicola Grigg Environmental Protection Authority EPA Hazardous Substances New Organisms Act farmers growers Primary Production Select Committee New Zealand regulatory reformNew Petroleum Mining Permit Boosts NZ Gas Supply and Oil Exports
13 Aug 2026, 3:56 PM | 1 month ago | 536 viewsNew Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
Tags: Shane Jones Matahio NZ Onshore Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Puka field Oru prospect Taranaki petroleum mining permit natural gas oil production energy securityNew Petroleum Mining Permit in Taranaki Boosts NZ Gas and Oil Supply
13 Aug 2026, 3:56 PM | 1 month ago | 583 viewsNew Zealand has granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to add natural gas to the domestic market and generate valuable oil export earnings. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector amid declining gas reserves, with gas remaining critical for electricity generation and industrial use alongside renewable energy. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible resource development, combined with investment in renewables and emerging technologies, is essential for a resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
Tags: Shane Jones Matahio NZ Onshore Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Puka field Oru prospect Taranaki petroleum mining permit natural gas oil production energy securityNZ Government Boosts Funding and Extends Contracts for Community Mental Health NGOs
13 Aug 2026, 2:03 PM | 1 month ago | 549 viewsThe New Zealand Government is providing over $34 million in additional annual funding from July 2026 to support community mental health and addiction organisations, recognizing their vital role. To ensure greater stability, most providers are being moved from one-year to three-year contracts, allowing them to invest confidently in their workforce and services. This approach aims to improve access to mental health support, strengthen frontline services, and enhance crisis response for vulnerable New Zealanders.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister New Zealand community organisations mental health addiction services NGOs Health New Zealand funding uplift frontline workersNew Zealand Boosts Community Mental Health Funding with Longer Contracts
13 Aug 2026, 2:03 PM | 1 month ago | 543 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced over $34 million in additional annual funding from July 2026 for community mental health and addiction providers, along with a 3.16% funding uplift for most eligible NGOs. The government is increasing contract certainty by shifting around 83% of providers onto three-year contracts, replacing the previous predominance of one-year agreements to enable better workforce investment and service delivery. These measures aim to support frontline organizations that serve over 82,000 people annually, ensuring faster access to mental health services and a stronger crisis response across New Zealand.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mental Health Minister New Zealand community organisations mental health addiction services NGOs Health New Zealand funding uplift frontline workersNew Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline Grows by $15B to $290B in Latest Update
13 Aug 2026, 1:23 PM | 1 month ago | 575 viewsThe New Zealand Infrastructure Commission's latest update reveals the National Infrastructure Pipeline's value has risen by $15 billion to $290 billion, with fully funded projects increasing by $4.5 billion to $95.8 billion. The pipeline includes nearly 12,500 projects across sectors like healthcare, roads, water, and schools, reflecting sustained momentum and improved planning that supports economic growth and job creation. Additionally, $17.5 billion in initiatives are progressing through planning to start construction within the next year, signaling ongoing investment and development nationwide.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Pipeline Infrastructure Minister healthcare projects construction sector economic growth infrastructure funding government projects infrastructure planningDisability Support Services Bill Updated with Key Amendments Reflecting Community Feedback
13 Aug 2026, 1:09 PM | 1 month ago | 475 viewsThe Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report on the Disability Support Services Bill includes amendments reflecting feedback from over 3,000 submitters, clarifying the Bill’s intent, reinforcing support for families, and ensuring disabled people have a stronger voice in decisions. The revised Bill aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles, providing a clear legal framework for Disability Support Services without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The Government has committed $2.1 billion in additional funding to improve consistency, fairness, and sustainability of services, with ongoing consultations planned for further improvements such as a carers’ package.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Services and Community Select Committee Disability Support Services Bill United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Disability Issues Minister DSS Supreme Court Child Development Services Independent ReviewNational's Infrastructure Plan: Fixing NZ Land Transport Funding and Costs
13 Aug 2026, 10:04 AM | 1 month ago | 670 viewsThe speaker highlights the government's strong infrastructure track record, emphasizing value-for-money investments, policy reforms, and major projects underway, while acknowledging challenges like a funding gap and high costs in the land transport system. To address these, the government plans an independent report on cost drivers and reforms in funding and oversight, aiming for a sustainable, user-funded, and efficient transport network aligned with economic growth and housing development. The upcoming Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2027 will focus on cost control, maintenance, productivity, safety, and transit-oriented development to maximize infrastructure benefits and support growth.
Tags: David Howard Alan Pollard Matua Shane Jones Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited Kāinga Ora National Party Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and TransportOtago Youth Empowered Through 10-Week Enterprise Accelerator Program
13 Aug 2026, 9:29 AM | 1 month ago | 499 viewsOver 240 young people aged 15 to 24 in Otago will participate in a 10-week Enterprise Accelerator programme to develop skills for work, business, and future opportunities through hands-on workshops and mentoring. Funded with $120,000 by the Government and delivered by The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, the initiative also connects participants to the He Kākano programme for seed funding and ongoing support. This investment aims to unlock youth potential by enhancing work-readiness, confidence, and creating pathways into employment, business, and self-employment.
Tags: James Meager Youth and South Island Minister Otago Dunedin Clutha Waitaki Districts King’s Trust Aotearoa He Kākano Enterprise Accelerator youth enterprise program