Articles tagged with James Meager
Showing 15 of 77 articles
New Zealand Aviation Action Plan Achieves Major Milestones in First Year
06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 81 viewsSignificant progress has been made on New Zealand's Aviation Action Plan, with over half of its 25 priorities completed within a year, including funding for RNZAF Base Ohakea as an alternative airport and support for regional airlines. Key achievements also involve updating pilot training, addressing workforce challenges, modernizing civil aviation rules, and assessing future infrastructure needs. The government favors a voluntary passenger rights charter over regulation to allow flexible improvements, emphasizing ongoing collaboration between the Aviation Council, industry, and government to strengthen the aviation sector.
Tags: James Meager Aviation Action Plan RNZAF Base Ohakea Aviation Council New Zealand aviation Associate Transport Minister civil aviation rules regional airports pilot training aviation passenger rightsNew Pasifika Youth Programme Empowers Skills, Careers, and Culture in NZ
04 Sep 2026 | 4 days ago | 129 viewsThe New Zealand Government, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, is investing $250,000 to support the Pasifika Youth Producers Programme, which offers 32 Pasifika youth practical skills, career exploration, and employment pathways through paid placements and leadership workshops. The 16-week programme targets two age groups, providing hands-on experience in event production, digital media, and other fields while fostering cultural connection and community engagement. This initiative aims to empower Pasifika youth, a fast-growing population, to develop skills, engage in education, and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce and economy.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith Pasifika youth Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa Pasifika Youth Producers Programme Creative New Zealand New Zealand government youth employment Pacific communities youth leadershipJonathan Moore Appointed to Maritime NZ Board with Extensive Maritime Expertise
02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 156 viewsAssociate Transport Minister James Meager announced Jonathan Moore's appointment to the Maritime New Zealand board for a one-year term, joining five other members. Moore brings extensive maritime industry experience, including roles as a senior leader, master mariner, harbourmaster, and former Chief Executive of Northport. His expertise in maritime safety, port operations, and leadership is expected to enhance Maritime NZ’s oversight and complement the board’s existing skills.
Tags: James Meager Jonathan Moore Maritime New Zealand Northport Associate Transport Minister merchant navy marine consultant harbourmaster port industry maritime safetyNew Zealand Lifejacket Law: Mandatory Wear on Recreational Boats from 2024
02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 154 viewsNew Zealand has passed new legislation requiring everyone on recreational boats six metres or less to wear properly fitted lifejackets while underway, aiming to reduce preventable drownings. In 2025, 17 people died in recreational boating incidents, with 12 not wearing lifejackets, highlighting the urgent need for this safety measure. The law will take effect 28 days after Royal Assent, just in time for the summer season, supported by coordinated public information efforts from Maritime NZ and partners.
Tags: James Meager Shane Reti Cameron Brewer lifejacket legislation Maritime Transport Amendment Bill New Zealand waters recreational craft safety boating safety drowning prevention Maritime NZOver 53,000 Hunting Permits Issued Online, Boosting Access and Efficiency in NZ
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 188 viewsOver 53,000 hunting permits have been issued through a new self-service online system, exceeding projections and significantly reducing administrative workload, according to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. The digital upgrades streamlined permit regions, extended permit durations, and improved compliance, resulting in a 10% increase in active permits and over $130,000 saved in resources. The system's success reflects efforts to enhance outdoor access for hunters, with plans to expand the online platform to more high-demand areas for fairer allocation next season.
Tags: James Meager DOC hunting permits Public Conservation Land digital upgrades New Zealand hunting access permit administration conservationNew Zealand to Ease Drone Rules Boosting Agricultural Productivity by 2027
19 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 233 viewsThe New Zealand government announced reforms to drone regulations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity by reducing red tape and simplifying certification for routine drone spraying operations. These changes will allow farmers to use drones for pesticide and fertiliser application with only prior notification to the Civil Aviation Authority, cutting costs and delays while maintaining safety and environmental protections. The reforms, effective mid-2027, aim to enhance competitiveness with international farmers by enabling more efficient, cost-effective drone use in agriculture.
Tags: David Seymour James Meager agricultural drones drone regulations Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand agriculture drone spraying regulatory reform pesticide application agricultural innovationGovernment and Partners Invest $700K to Empower Auckland Youth Through Polyfest Program
14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 292 viewsThe Government, alongside Rangitāmiro Limited and One Foundation Limited, is investing $700,000 to support The Polyfest Trust's three-month leadership and mentoring programme for over 350 Auckland youth aged 12 to 24. The initiative, integrated with the ASB Polyfest Māori stage, aims to develop participants' leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills while preparing them for future education, training, and employment opportunities. Emphasizing culture and community, the programme fosters confidence, identity, and long-term success through personalised mentorship and engagement plans.
Tags: Polyfest Trust James Meager Youth Development Partnership Rangitāmiro Limited One Foundation Limited ASB Polyfest Youth Minister Kapa Haka Nationals International Youth Day Pacific cultural festivalsGovernment Supports 400+ Young Kiwis with Youth Development After Severe Weather
13 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 321 viewsThe Government has invested $315,000 to support over 400 young Kiwis affected by severe weather events through six tailored youth development programmes across various regions. These initiatives focus on practical skills like forest restoration, safety training, employment readiness, and emotional wellbeing, helping young people re-engage with education and their communities. By providing safe spaces and targeted support, the programmes aim to build resilience, leadership, and positive pathways for youth recovery and future success.
Tags: James Meager Youth Minister Ngātiwai Trust Board Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Whitianga Community Services Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust Ignite Sport Trust Whenua Iti Trust New Zealand Government Youth Development ProgramsOtago Youth Empowered Through 10-Week Enterprise Accelerator Program
12 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 271 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 programNew Flexible Runway Safety Rules Boost Growth for New Zealand Regional Airports
06 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 327 viewsThe Government is reforming regional airport regulations by introducing more flexible, cost-effective runway safety options, including shorter runway end safety areas (RESA) for smaller airports and arresting systems as alternatives. These changes will reduce unnecessary compliance costs, streamline approval processes, and enable a wider variety of aircraft to operate safely, supporting regional aviation growth and tourism. This reform aligns with international standards, promotes economic development by unlocking isolated markets, and reflects the Government’s commitment to modernizing New Zealand’s civil aviation rules.
Tags: James Meager New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority regional airports runway safety RESA Associate Transport Minister aviation regulations tourism economic growthGovernment Funds $200K Agri Futures Program to Support At-Risk Youth in NZ
05 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 314 viewsThe NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, matched by the Trust for a total of $200,000, to run a ten-week ‘Agri Futures Pathways’ pilot program for at-risk youth aged 12 to 24 in the lower North Island. The program offers hands-on workshops in rural industry skills such as sheep shearing, quadbike safety, and horticulture, and supports participation in the national Clash of the Colleges competition. This initiative aims to engage young people with education and career opportunities in the primary sector, aligning with government goals to fund programs demonstrating successful outcomes.
Tags: James Meager NZ Rural Games Trust Youth Development Partnership Agri Futures Pathways Clash of the Colleges primary industries rural workforce agriculture horticulture Ministry of Youth DevelopmentJoin the 2026 National Wild Goat Hunting Competition to Protect NZ Landscapes
31 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 374 viewsHunting and Fishing Minister James Meager urges Kiwis to participate in the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition to help control wild goat populations and protect New Zealand’s native landscapes. Since its 2023 launch, the competition has removed over 33,000 goats and encourages conservation through hunter-led efforts, offering prizes and involving hunters of all ages. Running from August to November 2026, the event is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, landowners, and sponsors.
Tags: James Meager New Zealand National Wild Goat Hunting Competition wild goats conservation hunters Department of Conservation New Zealand Deerstalkers Association hunting landownersGovernment and Community Fund $950K to Boost Youth Education and Employment in Waikato
23 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 400 viewsThe Waikato Region will benefit from joint Government and community funding initiatives to support over 400 young people in education, leadership, and employment pathways. The Hauraki Māori Trust Board received $316,000 (matched to $632,000) for a two-year early intervention program aiding 320 students' transition to high school, while the Raukawa Charitable Trust got $120,000 to run employability and education programs for 80 youth. Youth Minister James Meager emphasized that these partnerships leverage local knowledge to provide tailored support, align with government targets, and enhance opportunities without extra taxpayer cost.
Tags: James Meager Waikato Region Hauraki Māori Trust Board Youth Development Partnership Raukawa Charitable Trust Len Reynolds Trust Ministry of Youth Development Department of Internal Affairs youth employment education pathwaysNew Zealand Invites Public Feedback on Digital Driver Licence Design
16 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 437 viewsNew Zealand is advancing digital drivers’ licences, with public consultation underway to design a secure, privacy-focused system that offers a convenient alternative to physical licences. The government aims to create a simpler, integrated transport service allowing users to manage their licences and receive information online, emphasizing user confidence and optional adoption. Legislation enabling these changes has passed, and feedback is being sought over four weeks to ensure the system is safe, trusted, and widely accepted.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith digital drivers’ licences New Zealand Transport Agency public consultation digital driver licence verification Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act privacy security New ZealandNew Zealand Declares First North Island Sika Deer Herd of Special Interest
15 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 447 viewsNew 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