02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1324 views
Construction has begun on a new Hikuwai Bridge to improve the resilience of State Highway 35 between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay in Tairāwhiti, following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. The bridge will be a modern, two-lane structure approximately 100 meters long, providing better flood and earthquake resistance and environmental benefits. The $50 million project involves local and expert construction teams to deliver a more efficient and permanent solution for road users in the region.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1422 views
Major works are underway in Mangahauini Gorge on State Highway 35 (SH35) north of Gisborne to address the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the efforts to keep one lane open during the recovery process and the long-term solutions being implemented to protect the highway. The project includes innovative measures such as constructing a 'roughened channel' in the Mangahauini River to prevent erosion and ensure the highway's stability, with completion expected by mid-2026 at a cost of around $50 million.
27 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2776 views
The Government has agreed in principle to an investment and implementation roadmap to strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system so it can manage major to severe emergencies, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “This roadmap is part of our response to the Government Inquiry into the North Island Severe Weather Events and complements the work underway to develop a new Emergency Management Bill,” says Mr Mitchell. “New Zealand is facing more frequent and severe weather events, and we need to ensure our emergency management system is fit for purpose to manage significant, widespread emergencies like Cyclone Gabrielle.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2468 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Waikato are benefitting from over $414,000 in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a significant impact on parts of the Waikato, causing destruction to property, blocked roads, and requiring coordinated relief efforts Now, one year after grant applications closed, 18 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief,” says Ms van Velden. Funds raised from the special Lotto draw were passed on to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, which accepted grant applications until May 2024 and distributed all funds by October 2024.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2356 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Northland are benefitting from $3. 59 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief, two years later. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Northland, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2650 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in Hawke’s Bay are benefitting from $4. 77 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on Hawke’s Bay, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2330 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities in the Gisborne region are benefitting from $3. 55 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabrielle had a devasting impact on the East Coast, causing widespread destruction to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2308 views
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that communities across Auckland are benefitting from $1. 8 million in grants from funds raised through a special Lotto draw for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. “Cyclone Gabreille had a devasting impact on parts of Auckland, causing widespread damage to property and requiring significant relief efforts.
16 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2081 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand’s health system, including this year’s recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. This year’s theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand. “Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country.