22 Oct 2026
3 days ago
77 views
September’s roll return data tells us what we already knew; families want schooling options that reflect the needs of their children, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. Data released today shows that as of September 1, 2026, there were 1,965 students enrolled in 19 charter schools, up from 215 students when the first seven schools opened in 2025. On 12 October 2026 Pakaraka School in Northland with 63 students became the first state school to convert to a charter school.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
490 views
The New Zealand Defence Force and Ngāti Rangi have signed an agreement to build 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp, honoring commitments from the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. This deal includes the sale and long-term leaseback of land and buildings, strengthening the partnership between NZDF and Ngāti Rangi. The homes, aimed at improving soldiers' wellbeing and retention, are expected to be completed by mid-2028 as part of the broader Homes for Families programme.
28 May 2026
5 months ago
889 views
Budget 2026’s welfare package aims to encourage employment and independence while supporting those most in need through targeted investments. Key initiatives include $45 million for community food support, $93.3 million to help sole parents find work, and $22.4 million to prevent and reduce emergency housing needs, generating significant net savings over four years. Social Development Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the government’s commitment to a fair, sustainable welfare system that effectively helps people transition off benefits despite economic challenges.
18 May 2026
5 months ago
1088 views
Defence Minister Chris Penk announced the early and under-budget completion of 23 new, high-quality homes for military families across New Zealand Defence Force bases as part of the Homes for Families programme. This $7.8 million development addresses decades of underinvestment in outdated military housing, providing safe, modern living spaces that support personnel wellbeing and ease housing affordability pressures. The government plans to invest up to $600 million through the 2025 Defence Capability Plan to continue delivering these homes, boosting regional economic activity and improving conditions for Defence personnel and their families.
08 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1154 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing access to eating disorder support by introducing peer support workers across regional services and increasing funding by $4 million annually to reduce wait times and improve early intervention. Peer support workers, who have lived experience with eating disorders, are being implemented to aid recovery, alongside expanded support for families and carers through organizations like Eating Disorders Carer Support and the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand. This initiative aims to strengthen community support networks and ensure timely, comprehensive care for individuals and their families affected by eating disorders.
29 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1326 views
From 1 April, the New Zealand government will increase financial support for over a million citizens, including superannuitants, working families, students, and beneficiaries, to help offset rising living costs due to the global fuel-price surge and Middle East conflict. Key measures include increased NZ Superannuation payments, boosted family tax credits, in-work tax credits, and changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates to encourage long-term savings. The government emphasizes targeted, responsible support to manage inflation and economic growth while safeguarding New Zealand’s financial future amid global uncertainties.
26 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1240 views
A bill has passed in Parliament providing temporary financial support to about 157,000 low-to-middle income working families affected by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, including a $50 weekly boost in the in-work tax credit starting April 7. The legislation also revises tax rules, such as thin capitalisation, to attract more foreign investment, particularly for infrastructure projects, while introducing measures to support startups, employee share schemes, new migrants, and digital nomads. These changes aim to strengthen New Zealand’s economy by helping households, encouraging business growth, and making the country more attractive for work, investment, and family life.
10 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1346 views
A new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessments and support allocations across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This change, informed by extensive consultation, includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers, and greater choice for about 38,500 people with flexible funding. These improvements aim to simplify processes, enhance wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for strengthening the disability support system long-term.
10 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1340 views
A new nationally consistent approach to Disability Support Services (DSS) will standardize needs assessment and support allocation across New Zealand, ensuring fairness regardless of location. This includes personalized funding plans, consideration of families and carers in assessments, and greater choice and control for around 38,500 people with flexible funding. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, aim to simplify processes, improve wellbeing, and provide a stable foundation for the disability support system's future.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1400 views
The Reserve Bank has lowered the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%, marking the ninth reduction since July 2024, which is boosting economic activity and supporting forecasts of falling inflation and rising growth. This easing of rates is benefiting households by increasing mortgage renewal opportunities and enabling more Kiwis to purchase their first homes, with 23,600 first-time buyers in the past year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that these positive economic trends offer hope and improved financial choices for New Zealand families and businesses.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1138 views
The FamilyBoost scheme has expanded, with over 11,500 households now receiving at least $150 a fortnight in payments. Families can claim larger rebates on early childhood education fees, leading to over 78,000 households benefiting from the program. The average payment for the September quarter is nearly $100 per fortnight, encouraging eligible households to apply through the IRD website.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1231 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced increased funding for community organizations in New Zealand to provide faster access to mental health support for young people and families. Initiatives include strengthening helplines for children, creating digital harm response networks, expanding youth programs, running peer support groups for young mothers, and launching online maternal mental health services. The focus is on early intervention and expanding maternal mental health support to set children up for success, addressing the challenge of mental health among youth and reducing wait times through partnerships with various organizations.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1238 views
Increased funding under the government has enabled Oranga Tamariki to provide more services to high support needs young people and their families, with an additional 59 placements across 11 community care providers. These services encompass everyday support, access to education, community inclusion, extracurricular activities, and family contact, benefiting the youth immensely. The funding of $99.784 million over four years has allowed for trauma-informed care, specialist disability support, and tools like visual timetables to help these individuals manage and avoid triggers, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the needs of these young people and their families.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1378 views
Minister Brooke van Velden announces an 18-day reduction in passport processing wait times under the current government, with standard applications now taking 7 days instead of 25. The Department of Internal Affairs has achieved this efficiency through digital processes, staff training, and identity verification automation. Van Velden emphasizes the government's commitment to improving services for New Zealanders and ensuring timely passport delivery as application volumes are expected to rise.
23 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1362 views
The largest Defence housing project in decades has begun, providing modern homes for military families and generating job growth in regional communities, as announced by Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The initiative aims to replace outdated homes at various NZDF camps and bases with modern two- and three-bedroom houses to support the wellbeing of military families. The Government plans to invest up to $600 million in the Homes for Families program, with construction already underway at several locations and future projects in the pipeline to improve housing for Defence personnel.