Articles tagged with Mit
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New Zealand Cabinet Agrees to Close Greyhound Racing Industry by 2026: Key Details and Transition Plan
19 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1558 viewsCabinet in New Zealand has officially agreed to close the greyhound racing industry, with a bill being drafted to enact this decision by July 31, 2026, following concerns about animal welfare and safety issues outlined in multiple reviews. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has recommended a clear plan for transitioning away from greyhound racing, including re-homing programs and support for industry participants through a Transition Agency funded by the TAB. Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of public input during the process, highlighting the global trend of phasing out greyhound racing due to ongoing welfare and safety concerns.
Tags: Winston Peters Heather Simpson Murray Johnson Lindsay Burton Cabinet greyhound racing New Zealand animal welfare Transition Agency Ministerial Advisory CommitteeNew Law Introduces Offence for Disruptive Demonstrations at Private Homes in New Zealand
15 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1407 viewsThe New Zealand Government is introducing a new offence to address disruptive demonstrations outside private homes, particularly those targeting public figures like MPs and judges. The legislation aims to protect individuals and their families' peace and privacy while balancing the public's right to demonstrate reasonably. The new law will target demonstrations directed at individuals in their homes with penalties of up to three months in jail or a $2,000 fine.
Tags: Government offence disruptive demonstrations private homes Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public persons MPs judges public officialsNew Zealand's Biodiversity Research Centre: Future-Proofing Natural History and Creating Jobs
14 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1190 viewsThe Government is investing in a new Biodiversity Research Centre in Upper Hutt to replace the earthquake-prone and inadequate Tory Street facility, preserving Te Papa’s natural history collection of over 860,000 specimens. The project, costing $155.4 million, is part of a $6 billion infrastructure initiative and will create construction jobs for over 2,000 people, with completion expected by March 2028. The collection transfer and decommissioning of the current facility are scheduled to be completed by April 2029.
Tags: Government Biodiversity Research Centre New Zealand Paul Goldsmith Te Papa infrastructure projects natural history construction jobs environmental science scientific researchGovernment Strengthens Laws Against Trafficking and People Smuggling to Ensure Accountability and Justice
13 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1475 viewsThe Government is strengthening trafficking and people smuggling laws to hold criminals accountable and address the low prosecution rates for trafficking cases. The reforms aim to make it easier to prosecute offenders, particularly in cases involving victims under 18, by removing the need to prove coercion or deception. The changes also focus on preventing the smuggling of migrants using fraudulent travel documents and enhancing protection for undercover Police investigating child exploitation cases.
Tags: Government trafficking people smuggling laws criminals Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith victims prosecution consequencesMarlborough Sounds Blue Cod Seasonal Closure Extended for Sustainability
11 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1333 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced an extended seasonal closure for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds, aiming to reduce fishing pressure and support sustainability. Commercial catch limits for the fish stock were reduced in 2022 due to concerns about high fishing pressure impacting the fishery. An advisory group has been established to provide expertise on improving the health of the blue cod population, with further exploration of factors affecting the fishery planned for the future.
Tags: Shane Jones Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery sustainability closure fishing pressure advisory group commercial catch limits spawningMajor Fisheries Reforms for Sustainable Growth: Minister Shane Jones Unveils Game-Changing Changes
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1593 viewsThe Government is implementing significant fisheries reforms to support sustainable growth in the fishing industry, aiming to remove obstacles and enhance decision-making for setting catch limits. The reforms include more responsive rules based on changes in fish abundance, improved privacy protection for fishers through changes in the onboard camera program, and practical guidelines for landing or discarding catch. These changes align with the goal of fostering a thriving and sustainable fishing industry, with an amendment Bill to be introduced for further feedback through the select committee process.
Tags: Shane Jones Fisheries Act reforms sustainable growth fishing industry catch limits fisheries management onboard cameras Official Information Act MPI.Restoring Customary Marine Title: Government's Legislation Update
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2134 viewsThe Government is moving forward with legislation to restore Parliament's original test for Customary Marine Title, following the Supreme Court's determination that previous rulings were incorrect. The legislation aims to uphold the high test set in 2011 before granting Customary Marine Title, ensuring a balance between Māori customary rights and the interests of all New Zealanders in the marine and coastal area. The Government has allocated additional funding to assist with re-hearing applications, with the intention to pass the legislation by the end of October 2025.
Tags: Government legislation Customary Marine Title Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith Supreme Court Parliament Māori customary rights New Zealanders coastal watersNew Papakura District Court Construction Begins: Speeding Up Justice Processes & Enhancing Infrastructure
05 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2075 viewsConstruction begins on the new Papakura District Court, aiming to improve court processes and critical infrastructure, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee. The project reflects a modern approach, with half the building being prefabricated off-site to enhance safety and efficiency while addressing demographic changes in South Auckland. The new courthouse, set to open in early 2027 with a $34m budget, will feature three courtrooms, two hearing rooms, and a dedicated suite for vulnerable witnesses, emphasizing the importance of timely access to justice and supporting victims within the justice system.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Nicole McKee Construction Papakura District Court Court processes Infrastructure Justice Law and order Prefabricated modules Vulnerable witnessesTransforming New Zealand: Progress and Achievements Recap
02 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2039 viewsThe speaker expresses gratitude to various individuals for their contributions to the National Party, highlighting achievements in law and order, education, healthcare, and the economy over the past two years. They emphasize the progress made in reducing violent crime, improving education, and enhancing healthcare services. The speaker also outlines plans to further stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase wages by streamlining processes for businesses operating on DOC land and implementing charges for foreign visitors at high volume sites to generate revenue for conservation efforts.
Tags: Christchurch Sylvia Wood Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell Erica Simeon Brown Ryan Hamilton Tama PotakaGovernment Raises Probate Threshold to $40,000 for Faster Asset Access | 2025 Update
31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1819 viewsThe Government has agreed to raise the probate threshold from $15,000 to $40,000 to make it easier and cheaper for families to access assets of deceased loved ones, according to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. The current threshold set in 2009 no longer reflects the value of estates, especially with KiwiSaver balances, leading to smaller estates being burdened by court costs and legal fees. The increase aims to allow executors to distribute lower-value assets more efficiently, ensuring more of the estate goes to beneficiaries, while still maintaining oversight through the High Court for higher value assets to prevent fraud or non-compliance with the deceased's wishes.
Tags: Government probate threshold assets deceased loved ones Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith KiwiSaver High Court legal fees beneficiariesNew Zealand Petroleum Exploration Permits Open in September: Crown Minerals Amendment Bill Impact
31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1866 viewsThe Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones petroleum exploration permits Crown Minerals Amendment Bill oil and gas exploration energy security natural gas decommissioning investment liabilityFive Eyes Partnership Strengthens with FBI's Wellington Office Upgrade
31 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2578 viewsThe FBI's upgraded Wellington office strengthens the Five Eyes partnership, enhancing safety and security for New Zealanders, as stated by Ministers Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell. The Ministers met with FBI Director Kash Patel, who opened the new office and discussed various key areas such as organized crime, counter-terrorism, and cyber-security. The visit emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts to combat crime and protect citizens, with Director Patel being the highest-ranking US official to visit New Zealand in recent times.
Tags: Judith Collins Mark Mitchell FBI Director Kash Patel GCSB NZSIS FBI New Zealand PoliceMajor Safety Improvements Coming to SH2 Moonshine Hill Road Intersection in Upper Hutt
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1704 viewsSafety improvements, including intersection upgrades and a speed limit review, will be implemented soon at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection on State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt, following Transport Minister Chris Bishop's announcement due to the high number of crashes at the intersection. The upgrades will involve installing traffic lights, signage, and line markings to enhance safety for motorists and cyclists. NZTA will consult the public on a proposed 80km/h speed limit, with construction scheduled to start in October and be completed by the end of the year.
Tags: safety improvements State Highway 2 Moonshine Hill Road intersection upgrades speed limit review Transport Minister Chris Bishop NZTA Whakatiki Street intersection speed limit consultationNew Zealand Introduces Tough Laws to Crack Down on Boy Racers and Dangerous Driving
29 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1831 viewsNew laws aim to crack down on boy racers and dirt bike riders engaging in dangerous driving, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell leading the initiative. The Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill introduces tougher penalties, including vehicle destruction or forfeiture for offenses like fleeing Police, street racing, and excessive noise. The Bill will grant Police more powers to manage illegal gatherings and is set to undergo public consultation after its first reading in August.
Tags: Boy racers Transport Minister Chris Bishop Police Minister Mark Mitchell illegal vehicle gatherings vehicle destruction street racing Police powers excessive noise Select Committee.Judicial Conduct Panel Appointed to Investigate Judge Ema Aitken's Alleged Conduct
28 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2815 viewsActing Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith has appointed a Judicial Conduct Panel to investigate acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken's alleged conduct at the Northern Club on November 22, 2024, based on a recommendation from the Judicial Conduct Commissioner. The Panel members include the Honourable Brendan Brown KC, Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon, and Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, with Tim Stephens KC serving as special counsel. The Panel will provide a report to the Acting Attorney-General, who will then determine if Judge Aitken's removal is warranted, with no further comments to be made until the report is received.
Tags: Ema Aitken Paul Goldsmith Brendan Brown Jillian Mallon Jerry Mateparae Tim Stephens Judicial Conduct Panel Acting District Court Judge Chief Justice