Articles tagged with Iwi

Showing 15 of 162 articles

Auckland City Rail Link Opens 13 September: Faster Journeys & Better Connections

05 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 323 views

Auckland's City Rail Link (CRL) will open to passengers on 13 September, marking a major transport milestone that promises faster journeys, more frequent services, and improved city-wide connections. The 3.45km twin-tunnel underground railway with new stations will transform Auckland’s rail network, boosting growth and accessibility while benefiting local businesses. After years of development and rigorous safety testing, the project is expected to significantly enhance Auckland’s transport system and support future urban growth.

Tags: Auckland City Rail Link CRL Chris Bishop Wayne Brown KiwiRail Te Waihorotiu Maungawhau Auckland Transport

New Zealand Lowers Public Lending Right Threshold to Boost Author Recognition

05 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 296 views

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that the eligibility threshold for the Public Lending Right scheme will be lowered from 50 to 30 copies held in libraries, allowing around 170 more New Zealand authors to be recognized and paid. This change, supported by 77.1% of consultation submissions, balances broader access with maintaining the fund’s integrity and includes a new mechanism to efficiently address underpayments. The $2.4 million fund, managed by the National Library, aims to keep the scheme fair, relevant, and accessible within the current parliamentary term.

Tags: Brooke van Velden New Zealand Authors Public Lending Right National Library of New Zealand Minister of Internal Affairs Kiwi literary works Cabinet Parliamentary term Department underpayments

Government Invests $21.7M to Train More Kiwi Teachers with Practical Classroom Programs

02 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 333 views

The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the School Onsite Training Programme and increase places through the Teacher Bonding Scheme, aiming to address teacher shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural areas. The programme emphasizes practical, classroom-based training, allowing trainee teachers to spend significant time in schools supported by experienced educators, with participants receiving stipends to cover costs. This initiative has boosted interest in teaching careers, increased the teacher workforce, and targets sustainable staffing solutions by training more classroom-ready Kiwi teachers and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment.

Tags: Erica Stanford New Zealand Education Minister Teacher Bonding Scheme School Onsite Training Programme Kiwi teachers teacher training Education Review Office primary teacher training secondary teacher training

Government Invests $21.7M to Expand Practical Teacher Training in New Zealand

02 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 363 views

The New Zealand Government is investing $21.7 million over five years to expand practical, classroom-based teacher training through the School Onsite Training Programme and increase support via the Teacher Bonding Scheme, targeting schools with persistent staffing challenges. The programme, which allows trainees to spend significant time in classrooms and offers stipends, aims to improve teacher readiness and address shortages, especially in secondary subjects and rural communities, while boosting enrolments and reducing reliance on overseas recruitment. These initiatives are designed to build a stronger, sustainable teaching workforce that understands New Zealand’s curriculum and student needs, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide.

Tags: Erica Stanford New Zealand Teacher Bonding Scheme School Onsite Training Programme Education Minister Kiwi teachers Education Review Office primary teacher training secondary teacher training teaching workforce

Transpower Board Reappoints Directors Dewes and Coppage Through 2029

02 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 320 views

Directors Whaimutu Dewes and Owen Coppage have been reappointed to the Transpower Board until 2029 to provide governance continuity during a $13 billion investment programme. Dewes offers expertise in governance, risk management, and stakeholder relations, while Coppage brings skills in energy utilities, technology, and digital transformation. Additionally, Rukumoana Schaafhausen was reappointed to Kiwi Group Capital’s board, bringing extensive commercial and Crown governance experience in the banking sector.

Tags: Whaimutu Dewes Owen Coppage Simeon Brown Rukumoana Schaafhausen Transpower Board Kiwi Group Capital Kiwibank State Owned Enterprises energy sector governance

New Zealand Launches Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme to Support Businesses

31 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 367 views

The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched by the New Zealand government, aims to help businesses reduce reliance on gas by providing loan guarantees covering 80% of default risk, enabling banks to offer better lending terms and unlock up to $1.2 billion in financing. This initiative supports regional industries facing high gas prices and supply uncertainty by promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy investments to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority offers independent support to help businesses assess energy options and plan practical transitions.

Tags: Nicola Willis Simeon Brown Shane Jones Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority ANZ ASB BNZ Kiwibank

Employment Leave Bill Passes Final Reading: New Simple Leave System Introduced

29 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 371 views

The Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees. Key reforms include hourly accrual of annual and sick leave, leave available from day one, a single hourly pay rate for all leave types, and greater flexibility in cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month transition period for implementation. The government aims to provide clear guidance and support to ensure a smooth shift to this streamlined system, addressing long-standing calls for reform.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Bill Holidays Act Workplace Relations and Safety MBIE Government Kiwis Employment New Zealand annual leave sick leave

New Zealand Seeks Local Industry for Long-Range Strike Drone Acquisition

29 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 344 views

The New Zealand Government, led by Defence Minister Chris Penk, is initiating the purchase of long-range one-way strike drones, prioritizing local industry innovation and capability. These human-operated, non-autonomous drones offer a cost-effective alternative to missiles and align with efforts to modernize Defence amid an unpredictable security environment. Additionally, Defence plans to research unarmed long-range drones for maritime surveillance, encouraging domestic businesses to participate, with investments outlined in the Defence Capability Plan totaling $100 million to $300 million.

Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Kiwi industry Defence Capability Plan uncrewed aircraft systems Defence Minister advanced manufacturing drone technology maritime surveillance

New Amendments Boost NZ Infrastructure Funding to Support Housing Growth

28 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 470 views

The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed today enhances the existing Act by simplifying processes, broadening eligible projects, and allowing operational costs to be funded through levies, addressing previous barriers that limited its use. This legislation enables private investment to fund essential infrastructure, such as roads and water services, with repayments made via levies on benefiting properties, thereby supporting housing growth and economic development. The changes aim to accelerate infrastructure delivery, provide greater certainty for developers, and ensure that growth is sustainably funded, aligning with the Government’s broader Going for Housing Growth programme.

Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill New Zealand Housing Growth Milldale development New Zealand Transport Agency KiwiRail National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Environment Committee

KiwiRail to Operate New Cook Strait Ferries Kupe and Cook from 2029

17 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 480 views

The New Zealand Government has confirmed KiwiRail will operate two new Cook Strait rail ferries, named Kupe and Cook, arriving in 2029 with a 30-year operational plan to ensure a practical and affordable ferry service. The project, capped at $1.7 billion, saves $2.3 billion compared to previous estimates and includes commercial arrangements protecting taxpayers while supporting critical freight routes between Auckland and Christchurch. The programme also features new marine infrastructure, strict project management, and a long-term strategy to maintain rail ferry services for future generations.

Tags: Winston Peters KiwiRail Kupe Cook Cook Strait CentrePort Port Marlborough Ferry Holdings Guangzhou Shipyard International Interislander

New Zealand Declares First North Island Sika Deer Herd of Special Interest

15 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 447 views

New Zealand has designated the sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks as the North Island’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), establishing a coordinated management framework to enhance hunting opportunities and conservation outcomes. The Central North Island Sika Foundation, alongside DOC, iwi, hapū, and other partners, will assist in managing the herd to reduce browsing pressure on young trees and improve forest regeneration without increasing animal numbers. The decision follows extensive consultation and aims to balance hunting values with environmental protection, featuring ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews to ensure accountability.

Tags: James Meager New Zealand sika deer Kaimanawa Forest Park Kaweka Forest Park Central North Island Sika Foundation Game Animal Council DOC iwi hapū

Government Seeks Feedback on Capital Market Reforms to Boost Kiwi Business Growth

14 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 398 views

The Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of capital market reforms aimed at lowering the cost of raising capital for Kiwi businesses and improving returns for investors, with a focus on modernizing rules to keep pace with innovation and maintain investor protections. This phase follows last year’s reforms that reduced compliance costs and barriers to listing on the NZX, and now targets eight specific areas including product disclosure, director liability, crowdfunding limits, and broker activity. The consultation, open for six weeks, invites input from businesses, investors, and financial advisers to help create dynamic, competitive markets that support economic growth.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister KiwiSaver MBIE NZX New Zealand Government capital market reforms economic growth crowdfunding

Innovative Submersible Dredge Planer Tackles Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed in NZ

13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 486 views

The submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Johnson Brothers Ltd Northland Regional Council Biosecurity New Zealand Cawthron Institute Ngāti Kuta Patukeha Omākiwi Cove Bay of Islands Number 8 wire

Fiordland Wapiti Deer Named NZ’s First Hunter-Led Herd of Special Interest

13 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 423 views

Fiordland wapiti deer have been designated New Zealand’s first Herd of Special Interest (HOSI), enabling sustainable hunter-led management to balance hunting values with conservation goals. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, in partnership with DOC and iwi, will implement the Herd Management Plan focused on maintaining sustainable deer numbers, protecting biodiversity, and allowing native vegetation recovery. This designation follows extensive consultation, includes strong environmental oversight with public reporting, and aims to improve ecological outcomes while preserving Fiordland National Park’s World Heritage values.

Tags: James Meager Fiordland Wapiti Foundation Fiordland wapiti deer New Zealand Fiordland National Park Herd of Special Interest DOC iwi hapū Game Animal Council

Kiwi Businesses Boost Productivity with $800M Gains from eInvoicing Adoption

07 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 461 views

Kiwi businesses are projected to gain up to $800 million annually in productivity through full eInvoicing adoption, which has more than doubled in uptake recently, enabling faster payments and reduced paperwork. The government leads by example with prompt payments, achieving over 95% of invoices paid within 10 working days, and will require large businesses to send eInvoices to government agencies from January 2027. This initiative aims to improve cashflow, cut administrative costs, reduce invoice fraud, and create a more efficient business environment in New Zealand.

Tags: eInvoicing productivity gains Kiwi businesses Cameron Brewer NZIER Small Business Manufacturing Minister government payments invoice fraud cloud accounting