07 Sep 2026
1 month ago
521 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
439 views
The New Zealand government, led by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer, is proposing mandatory pre-sale asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand to enhance consumer safety. This follows the recall of around 46,000 asbestos-contaminated products, highlighting gaps in current product safety protections. The proposed unsafe goods notice aims to prevent untested products from reaching the market, while officials also consider long-term comprehensive safety regulations.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
639 views
New Zealand’s rising electricity bills are largely driven by electricity distribution network costs, prompting the government to seek reforms for greater affordability, reliability, and efficiency in the sector. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released a discussion document proposing actions to enhance collaboration among Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs), improve economic regulation, and strengthen governance to support increased electrification and innovation. The government is inviting public feedback on these potential reforms to ensure investments deliver value for consumers and help moderate future power costs.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
704 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The Employment Leave Bill has passed its final reading, replacing the outdated Holidays Act with a simpler, hours-based leave system that improves accuracy and transparency for both employers and employees.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.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
659 views
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) ceased the seven-year Biometric Capability Upgrade project in December 2025, initially reporting $33 million in costs written off. Subsequent reviews revealed discrepancies in MBIE’s financial reporting, leading to the identification of an additional $6 million in project costs and prompting the commissioning of an independent financial audit. The matter has been referred to the Michael Heron inquiry and the Public Service Commissioner to investigate MBIE’s financial controls and potentially expand the inquiry’s scope.
21 Jul 2026
3 months ago
704 views
The Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) in New Zealand has supported over $10 billion in business R&D investment, demonstrating growing confidence and rapid uptake, especially among small businesses. An independent evaluation in 2025 showed the scheme generates significant economic benefits, with each dollar of support leading to an additional $1.40 invested in R&D, contributing to productivity, innovation, and high-value job creation. To further enhance its impact, the government plans to introduce in-year payments for tax credits in Budget 2026, aiming to improve cash flow and encourage more businesses to invest in R&D.
14 Jul 2026
3 months ago
665 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.
07 Jul 2026
3 months ago
738 views
Two refurbished tanks at Northland’s Marsden Point are now operational to store New Zealand’s strategic diesel supply, following a $21.6 million government investment to enhance fuel resilience amid global uncertainties. Z Energy was selected to supply and manage the 90 million litre diesel reserve, with the Crown controlling its release to ensure national security without affecting Z Energy’s stockholding obligations. The first diesel shipment has arrived, with the second expected soon, and fuel stock reporting will resume its regular weekly schedule as global conditions stabilize.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
993 views
The Building Amendment Bill introduces the most significant building system reforms in 20 years to make construction easier, faster, and more affordable while enhancing homeowner protections through a fairer liability system and mandatory safeguards like professional indemnity insurance and home warranties. It aims to modernize the sector by improving consistency among Building Consent Authorities, reducing processing times, enabling fast-track consents for sustainable buildings, and expanding exemptions for offsite-constructed dwellings. These reforms, developed with extensive sector engagement, seek to unlock innovation, increase accountability, and support New Zealand’s housing and construction needs sustainably and efficiently.
30 Jun 2026
3 months ago
880 views
The New Zealand Government is making it mandatory for new corded blinds to meet internationally recognised safety standards to protect young children from cord entanglement hazards. This move follows multiple child fatalities and coroner recommendations, aiming to reduce risks through shorter cords, warning labels, and safety devices, while minimizing costs for compliant businesses. Parents are also urged to raise awareness and take precautions with existing blinds to ensure home safety.
30 Jun 2026
3 months ago
871 views
The New Zealand Government is providing a $40.68 million funding boost from July 2026 to support university research commercialisation, alongside new Intellectual Property (IP) rules that give researchers greater control and incentives to bring innovations to market. This initiative, including enhanced Commercialisation Partner Network funding and new Engagement Guidelines, aims to accelerate economic growth by fostering collaboration, building commercialisation skills, and supporting early-stage ideas to develop into start-ups and products. Additional funding is also allocated to the Founder and Start-up Support Programme and the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology to expand deep-tech incubation and advanced technology development.
18 Jun 2026
4 months ago
981 views
The New Zealand Government plans to boost tourism growth by investing $4 million in targeted marketing in Australia, the United States, and China, alongside a $1 million boost to attract more business events. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized that tourism, as the country's second-largest export, is vital for economic growth, with goals to restore visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels by 2026 and double tourism export value in ten years. These investments, funded by the International Visitor Levy, aim to accelerate visitor numbers, support high-value business events, and deliver economic benefits across New Zealand.
11 Jun 2026
4 months ago
960 views
Space Minister Chris Penk announced that the University of Auckland received $300,000 from the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme to develop the Rakiraki CubeSat, a satellite aimed at improving space object tracking to protect essential satellite services. The programme supports New Zealand innovators in advancing space technology from concept to launch, fostering sovereign space capability, commercialisation, and global market access. With $1.78 million awarded across two rounds to four projects, the initiative reflects the growing and high-quality space innovation sector in New Zealand.
09 Jun 2026
4 months ago
782 views
New Zealand’s Government is advancing plans for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to enhance energy security, reduce power bills by up to $800 million annually, and provide reliable backup during dry years when renewable sources underperform. This facility, expected to be operational by 2028, will not be funded by levies on power bills but through a fair model involving industry stakeholders, ensuring stable and affordable energy for households and businesses. The initiative addresses risks highlighted by recent energy shortages and price spikes, aiming to protect jobs, support economic growth, and secure the nation’s energy supply amid declining indigenous gas production.
25 May 2026
5 months ago
1157 views
The New Zealand Government is launching the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, offering up to $1.2 billion in bank loans with an 80% Crown guarantee to help businesses reduce gas dependency, protect jobs, and conserve dwindling gas supplies. Budget 2026 allocates $48 million to cover potential losses and $5.9 million to support businesses exploring alternative energy options, aiming to reduce gas use by up to 10 PJ annually while maintaining or increasing production. Additionally, new legislation will require improved transparency in gas supply and demand data to strengthen market confidence and inform better policymaking amid declining gas reserves and rising prices.