Articles tagged with Development
Showing 15 of 192 articles
Heather Simpson Appointed Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand Board
02 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 885 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand, recognizing her extensive governance experience and strategic understanding of Antarctica's importance to New Zealand. Ms. Simpson, a board member since 2024, has contributed to supporting research, environmental stewardship, and oversight of the Scott Base Redevelopment Project. Her new role will involve assisting the Chair and Board in navigating a strategically and operationally challenging period, effective from April 1, 2026.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Antarctica New Zealand Deputy Chair Scott Base Redevelopment Foreign Minister Board Member Governance Environmental Stewardship New ZealandNew Zealand Ends Greyhound Racing by 2026 to Ensure Animal Welfare and Support
02 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 898 viewsRacing Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing in New Zealand, citing serious animal welfare concerns and overwhelming parliamentary support for the bill. The government will establish a transition agency to oversee the wind-down of the industry, support dog rehoming, and assist affected workers with retraining and wellbeing services. The ban will take effect from August 1, 2026, ensuring a responsible and compassionate phase-out aligned with global trends away from the sport.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Murray Johnson Lindsay Burton New Zealand greyhound racing Racing Minister Ministerial Advisory Committee Ministry of Social Development ParliamentTemporary 30% Mileage Rate Boost for NZ Home and Community Support Workers
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 975 viewsHome and community support workers in New Zealand will receive a temporary 30% increase in mileage rates, from 63.5 to 82.5 cents per kilometre, to help offset rising fuel costs caused by global conflicts. This increase, effective immediately and lasting up to 12 months or until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks, applies to workers contracted to Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, and ACC. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized that this targeted support ensures the continuity of essential healthcare services for vulnerable New Zealanders by easing cost pressures on frontline workers.
Tags: Simeon Brown home and community support workers mileage rates fuel costs Health New Zealand Ministry of Social Development ACC essential healthcare services New Zealand frontline workersNew Zealand Boosts Diesel Storage by 90 Million Litres at Marsden Point
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 945 viewsThe New Zealand Government will invest up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd in increasing diesel storage capacity by 90 million litres at Marsden Point, enhancing fuel resilience amid global supply disruptions. The project aims to recommission storage tanks within two months to secure diesel supplies beyond the current secure period until the end of May. This initiative addresses the critical need for large-scale fuel storage, particularly for diesel, which is vital to the economy, and work is set to begin imminently with close government oversight.
Tags: Shane Jones Channel Infrastructure Marsden Point Regional Infrastructure Fund New Zealand Government diesel storage fuel resilience Regional Development Minister Middle East conflict New Zealand fuel suppliesGovernment Report Shows Positive Impact on Youth Offending and School Attendance
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 917 viewsThe Government’s 2024/25 Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy highlights positive progress in reducing youth offending, child abuse, and food insecurity, while improving school attendance and parental support. Despite these gains, challenges persist with 14.3% of children experiencing material hardship and an increase in households receiving main benefits amid tough economic conditions. The Government remains committed to practical, evidence-based solutions through coordinated programs targeting education, health, housing, and welfare to further improve outcomes for children and young people.
Tags: Louise Upston Child Poverty Reduction Minister New Zealand Government Child and Youth Strategy Ministry of Social Development Kahu Taurima Healthy School Lunches Early Childhood Education Food Food Secure Communities Attendance Action PlanGovernment Lowers Auckland Housing Capacity Target to 1.4 Million Homes
30 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1018 viewsThe Government will introduce legislation to amend the Resource Management Act, reducing Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 minimum housing capacity from 2 million to 1.4 million homes while still supporting significant growth through upzoning and infrastructure-aligned development. The legislation also resolves transitional issues for developers affected by previous rule changes and aims to enable further housing opportunities, particularly around transit corridors and the City Rail Link. Auckland Council will revise the plan based on guiding principles, and the updated process will allow public input before final decisions are made.
Tags: Chris Bishop Auckland Council Plan Change 120 Resource Management Act Housing and RMA Reform Auckland housing National Policy Statement on Urban Development City Rail Link Medium Density Residential Standards Auckland Unitary PlanNew Zealand Boosts Funding to Support Sustainable Fisheries in Tuvalu
26 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 898 viewsNew Zealand has announced additional funding for the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme to strengthen Tuvalu’s fisheries sector and support community resilience amid climate challenges. This funding reflects New Zealand’s long-term commitment to partnership, sustainable development, and economic security for Tuvalu. The support, provided through the International Development Cooperation programme, aims to enhance local capacity and promote Pacific resilience and security.
Tags: New Zealand Tuvalu Winston Peters Feleti Teo Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme fisheries sector Pacific resilience climate challenges sustainable development International Development CooperationNew Zealand Telecom Review: Cutting Red Tape to Boost Innovation and Save $45M
26 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 975 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the completion of the Telecommunications Sector Review, which proposes 22 recommendations aimed at reducing outdated bureaucracy to foster innovation and modernize regulations originally designed for legacy copper networks. Key changes include simplifying Telecommunications Development Levy calculations, removing redundant audit requirements, and updating fibre regulations, projected to deliver $35 to $45 million in net benefits over the next decade. Ministers are currently reviewing the recommendations to ensure telecommunications regulations support a competitive economy and reliable access for all New Zealanders while carefully considering next steps for critical areas like Telecommunications Service Obligations.
Tags: David Seymour Paul Goldsmith Telecommunications Sector Review Telecommunications Service Obligations Telecommunications Development Levy fibre regulations New Zealand telecommunications regulations Cabinet telecom providersRe-Energise 26 Report Calls for Coordinated Action to Build NZ Energy Workforce
24 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 966 viewsThe Re-Energise 26 report highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to build New Zealand’s energy workforce to meet growing sector demands and avoid missed opportunities. Key challenges include workforce uncertainty, training pipeline issues, and critical role shortages, while opportunities lie in unified talent development and clearer career pathways. The government, industry, and educators must collaborate to strengthen skills, improve job connections, and support regions facing industry decline to ensure a sustainable energy sector future.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Energy Resources Aotearoa Electricity Engineers’ Association Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Social Development and Employment Minister energy workforce energy sector governmentHamilton Airport Runway Extension Boosted by $6.5M Loan for Growth and Resilience
24 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1226 viewsHamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.
Tags: Hamilton Airport runway extension Regional Infrastructure Fund Shane Jones Waikato national aviation network Regional Development Minister Waikato Regional Airport Ltd Coalition Government airport construction jobsMasterton’s Hood Aerodrome Upgraded with $10M Grant to Boost Safety and Economy
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 988 viewsMasterton’s Hood Aerodrome has undergone significant upgrades, including runway improvements, new hangar sites, and enhanced infrastructure, funded by a $10 million government grant and additional local co-funding. These enhancements improve safety, meet Civil Aviation Authority certification, and support a range of aviation activities, boosting the region’s economic development and tourism potential. Additionally, $954,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund was used to strengthen flood protection and erosion control around the aerodrome, contributing to broader regional resilience efforts.
Tags: Mark Patterson Hood Aerodrome Masterton Wairarapa Associate Regional Development Minister Masterton District Council Civil Aviation Authority Regional Infrastructure Fund government grant aviation sectorAra Jobs and Skills Hub Celebrates 10 Years Connecting Auckland Airport to Jobs
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 904 viewsThe Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, supported by the Ministry of Social Development for 10 years, has helped over 1,440 people into jobs and provided training to thousands within the Auckland Airport precinct. This partnership coordinates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for 800 businesses across various sectors, addressing significant workforce demands. Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in supporting job seekers and achieving the government’s goal of reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030.
Tags: Louise Upston Ara Jobs and Skills Hub Ministry of Social Development Auckland Airport job training workforce planning recruitment New Zealand government Jobseeker Support employmentGovernment Expands Redress for Abuse Survivors in Mental Health Care to 2022
17 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 857 viewsThe Government is extending the state redress scheme to cover survivors of abuse in State-run mental health inpatient facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022, addressing gaps identified after Health New Zealand assumed responsibility in 2022. This change, prompted by survivors' difficulties in accessing recognition and redress, aims to provide consistent support and accountability regardless of when the abuse occurred. The amendment to the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is progressing through Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to meaningful change and preventing future harm.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte Health New Zealand Royal Commission Ministry of Social Development Oranga Tamariki New Zealand Government Social Services and Community Select Committee Redress System for Abuse in Care BillGovernment Amends Law to Ensure Fair Treatment of ACC and Welfare Payments
05 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 989 viewsThe Government has passed legislation to clarify the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlements, addressing an unfair discrepancy between those receiving weekly ACC payments and those receiving lump sum payments while their ACC claims are considered. The Social Security Amendment Act ensures equal treatment for all ACC recipients, correcting a court-interpreted anomaly that previously favored one group over another. This change aims to create a fair and equitable process, with transitional provisions for individuals seeking review before the Bill's introduction.
Tags: Government legislation ACC payments welfare entitlement Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston Social Security Amendment Act MSD benefit Appeal AuthorityNew Zealand and Chile Sign Strategic Agricultural Partnership for 2026-2030
05 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 994 viewsNew Zealand and Chile have signed the Strategic Agricultural Arrangement 2026–2030 to enhance cooperation in agriculture, focusing on expertise exchange, sustainable development, research, innovation, and climate resilience. Both countries share similar farming systems and advocate for open, rules-based trade, aiming to strengthen their agricultural relationship and seize mutual opportunities. This agreement builds on 80 years of diplomatic ties and aims to boost economic returns for farmers and exporters in both nations.
Tags: New Zealand Chile Todd McClay Ignacia Fernández Agriculture Strategic Agricultural Arrangement trade sustainable development climate resilience diplomatic relations