Articles tagged with Louise Upston

Showing 15 of 158 articles

Government Invests $2M to Expand Dunedin Tunnels Trail, Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

14 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 995 views

The Government is investing $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, aiming to boost tourism in the Otago region and support local businesses while creating job opportunities. The project will expand the trail to Fairfield, Abbotsford, Green Island, Kaikorai Valley, and Caversham Tunnel, forming a 15-kilometre route between Mosgiel and Dunedin. This initiative is part of the Government's Major Events and Tourism Package and is expected to enhance the cycling network and tourism sector in the region.

Tags: Louise Upston Government Dunedin Tunnels Trail Tourism Otago region Cycling destination New Zealand Great Rides Major Events Economic impact

Classic NZ Wine Trail Shines: Major Boost for Wellington and Partner Regions

13 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 993 views

WellingtonNZ and partner regions are promoting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail internationally with a $991,000 campaign funded by the government. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of showcasing Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to attract more visitors to experience their wine, food, and unique attractions. The campaign aims to encourage travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and discover the diverse flavors and experiences offered along the trail.

Tags: WellingtonNZ partner regions Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Wellington Wairarapa Hawke’s Bay Marlborough Lonely Planet

Discover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island

13 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 1019 views

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.

Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold Coast

RotoruaNZ Receives $4.5M Boost for International Campaigns

13 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 1008 views

RotoruaNZ will receive over $4.5 million for two campaigns promoting the region's geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and hospitality to international visitors. The "North Island x Ctrip" campaign targets travelers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, while the "Kiwi North" campaign focuses on attracting visitors from Australia's eastern seaboard. These initiatives aim to showcase the diverse experiences across the North Island, support local businesses, and enhance the region's reputation as a must-visit destination, funded by the Regional Tourism Boost as part of the Government's Major Events and Tourism Package.

Tags: RotoruaNZ Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister North Island Ctrip China Japan South Korea Australia

Regional New Zealand Boosted by $5.9M Investment to Attract International Visitors in 2026

13 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 999 views

The Government's Regional Tourism Boost will invest $5.9 million to attract more international visitors to regional New Zealand in 2026, aiming to showcase diverse experiences and boost regional economies. Three Regional Tourism Organisations will launch campaigns targeting visitors from Australia and East Asia, featuring tailored offers and fresh itineraries to highlight unique attractions. The campaigns will focus on promoting regional hospitality, encouraging longer stays, and fostering lasting connections with international travelers, as part of a broader effort to support New Zealand's tourism industry.

Tags: Louise Upston Regional Tourism Boost New Zealand Tourism Hospitality RotoruaNZ WellingtonNZ Great South Australia East Asia

New Zealand Tourism Soars: Record International Visitor Arrivals in 2025

13 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 2079 views

Tourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.

Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Minister Australia New Zealand Overseas visitors Stats NZ International visitors Tourism industry Everyone Must Go campaign

New Appointments to Charities Registration Board Strengthen Governance and Decision-Making

06 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 887 views

Julie Hardaker and Leighton Evans have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston, bringing legal, regulatory, and governance expertise to the Board. Jane Wrightson has been promoted to Chair of the Board, replacing outgoing chair Gwendoline Keel. The appointments aim to strengthen the Board's decision-making capacity and ensure effective operation in complex situations, with the Board overseeing decisions about the registration and deregistration of over 28,000 charities in New Zealand.

Tags: Julie Hardaker Leighton Evans Louise Upston Jane Wrightson Gwendoline Keel Roger Miller Charities Registration Board Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Rata Foundation Traffic Court

Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew Appointed to Independent Children’s Monitor Board

05 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 941 views

Rev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.

Tags: Rev. Murray Edridge Hon Jo Goodhew Dr Ang Jury Louise Upston Oranga Tamariki system Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman Wellington City Missioner Presbyterian Support South Canterbury

New Zealand Welcomes Michelin Guide, Showcasing Culinary Excellence and Boosting Tourism Growth

05 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 989 views

New Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.

Tags: New Zealand Michelin Guide Tourism Hospitality Minister Louise Upston Oceania Cuisine International visitors Culinary centers Hospitality sector

New Cycle Trails Boost Ruapehu Tourism and Economy

31 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 974 views

The Government is funding the completion of Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru trails, connecting them to create the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey, aiming to attract more visitors to the Ruapehu region and boost the Central North Island economy. These trails are crucial for completing the full 231km journey from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, with only one section left to finish. The project, led by various trusts and organizations, emphasizes partnership, cultural significance, and environmental sustainability, with completion expected by early 2027 through funding from the International Visitor Levy and the Major Events and Tourism Package.

Tags: Ruapehu region Central North Island economy Te Ara Mangawhero Te Hangāruru trails Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey Louise Upston Tama Potaka Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust Te Korowai o Wainuiārua

Carnival Adventure to Homeport in Auckland Boosting Cruise Tourism Growth

29 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1031 views

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is excited about Carnival Adventure's return to homeporting in Auckland for the 2027 winter season, marking the first ship to do so since 2023. This move signifies confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector, bringing more visitors, jobs, and opportunities for local businesses. The Government's support for cruise tourism, including infrastructure development and regulatory clarity, demonstrates a commitment to fostering the sector's growth and ensuring New Zealand remains open for business.

Tags: Louise Upston Carnival Auckland Tourism Hospitality Cruise industry New Zealand Cruise visitors Port of Auckland Biofouling

New Non-Financial Sanctions Launch in Traffic Light System for Job Seekers

18 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 945 views

The Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.

Tags: Traffic Light System job searches upskilling Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston beneficiaries accountability benefit dependency

Regional Infrastructure Fund Boosts Job Creation and Resilience in New Zealand

16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 971 views

The Regional Infrastructure Fund, supported by Ministers Shane Jones and Louise Upston, is funding projects in regional New Zealand to create resilient communities and local employment opportunities. Since its opening in mid last year, the RIF has committed over $862 million to projects, with $355.6 million already approved and announced. These projects are expected to provide employment for over 1750 full-time workers during construction, prioritizing local workforce planning and creating job opportunities in construction, agriculture, horticulture, and processing.

Tags: Regional Infrastructure Fund resilient communities local employment opportunities Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston infrastructure employment construction New Zealanders projects

Government Progresses in Tackling Unemployment Despite Economic Challenges

16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1026 views

Minister Louise Upston highlights the Government's progress in reducing unemployment despite economic challenges, with a 6% increase in beneficiaries finding work in the June 2025 quarter, totaling 20,775 individuals transitioning into employment. The data also shows a 6.9% rise in work exits from Jobseeker Support and a decrease in young people receiving this support. The Government's initiatives, such as frontline investments, phone-based case management, and Kōrero Mahi seminars, aim to support jobseekers, emphasizing the importance of providing practical assistance during the job search process to help individuals gain independence and improve their lives.

Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Government unemployment MSD stats Jobseeker Support New Zealanders Kōrero Mahi

Minister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost

14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 932 views

Minister Louise Upston has praised the progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, emphasizing the focus on matching them with employers through targeted case management. The Ministry for Social Development is increasing case management places and rolling out Individual Employment Plans to help clients become job-ready. MSD aims to support job seekers in securing positions now and in the future, aligning with the government's Jobseeker reduction target and economic growth projections.

Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction target