Articles tagged with Mit
Showing 15 of 317 articles
New Zealand Extends Copyright Protection for Iconic Songs and Kiwi Artists
26 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 690 viewsThe New Zealand Government is extending copyright protection for music recordings from 50 to 70 years after publication to support Kiwi artists and align with international standards. This change, prioritized during New Zealand Music Month, ensures artists can continue earning from their work and protects both iconic classics and future creations. The updates, part of trade agreements with the UK and EU, must be implemented by May 2028, with further Copyright Act changes to be announced soon.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Cameron Brewer New Zealand Copyright Act Kiwi artists New Zealand Music Month I See Red April Sun in Cuba Gutter Black music recordingsNew Zealand Criminalizes Stalking with Up to 5 Years Prison Starting Tonight
25 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 686 viewsStarting tonight, stalking becomes a criminal offense in New Zealand, punishable by up to five years in prison, signaling the government's commitment to addressing this harmful behavior. The new law defines stalking as a pattern of behavior likely to cause fear or distress, including acts such as following, contacting, damaging property, and doxing, with legal mechanisms like police notices and sentencing limits in place. This legislation responds to widespread advocacy and aims to protect victims, particularly women, from the serious emotional, psychological, and economic harm caused by stalking and harassment.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Justice Minister stalking harassment Crimes Legislation Amendment Act New Zealand victims sexual violence Justice Committee doxingNew Move-On Orders Give Police Power to Tackle Disorderly Public Behavior
21 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 810 viewsLegislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Police disorderly behaviour Parliament homelessness law and order public places city centres legislationPharmac Proposes Expanded Flu Vaccine Funding for NZ Children and Seniors in 2027
21 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 684 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour supports Pharmac’s proposal to expand New Zealand’s vaccine program by funding flu vaccines for children aged 6 months to 5 years and securing supply for 17 vaccines and one diagnostic test. The proposal includes changing vaccine brands to enhance protection, particularly for older adults and at-risk groups, and aims to make over 1.5 million people eligible for funded vaccines in the first year. Pharmac is seeking public and professional feedback before finalizing the proposal, with changes expected to take effect from April and July 2027.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac New Zealand flu vaccine children meningococcal ACWY pneumococcal vaccine Immunisation Advisory Committee vaccine funding National Immunisation ScheduleShaping NZ’s Modern Road User Charges: Consultation Open for Tech & Finance Sectors
19 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 753 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop announced a consultation on proposed regulations to modernize New Zealand's road user charges system, transitioning from petrol tax to electronic charges based on actual road use and vehicle weight. The regulations will define how approved providers operate, protect personal data, and introduce flexible payment options like subscriptions or post-payment. The government seeks input from various sectors to create a fairer, simpler, and privacy-compliant system, with consultation open until 12 June.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Transport Minister Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill road user charges electronic road user charges petrol tax hybrid vehicles Privacy Act Transport and Infrastructure Select CommitteeBudget 2026: Transforming New Zealand’s Public Service for a More Affordable Future
19 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 856 viewsThe Government Budget 2026 focuses on addressing New Zealand’s economic challenges through durable reforms aimed at affordability, fiscal responsibility, and improved public services rather than short-term spending. Key initiatives include streamlining government agencies, embracing digital and AI technologies, and reducing public service numbers to enhance efficiency and redirect savings toward health, education, infrastructure, and security. This strategic approach seeks to create a modern, productive public service, maintain balanced books, and build a resilient economy for a better and more affordable future.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Carney Labour New Zealand Prime Minister Business North Harbour Kainga Ora Public Service Commission Ministry of Cities Government BudgetGovernment Overhauls Public Service to Boost Productivity and Save $2.4 Billion
19 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 597 viewsThe New Zealand Government is undertaking a major public service overhaul to reduce the number of agencies, enhance digitisation including AI use, and restore public service numbers to historic levels, aiming to deliver $2.4 billion in savings over four years. This reform seeks to shift resources from administrative growth to frontline services, improve productivity, and provide better, more connected public services that avoid duplication and outdated processes. Savings from these changes will be reinvested in health, education, infrastructure, defence, and police, with progress monitored to ensure efficiency and value for money.
Tags: Nicola Willis Paul Goldsmith New Zealand public service government overhaul digitisation AI productivity public sector budget savingsGovernment Introduces Disability Support Services Bill to Strengthen NZ Support System
18 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 779 viewsThe Government has introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to provide a clear legislative framework, improving consistency, fairness, and transparency for the support system aiding thousands of disabled New Zealanders. The Bill clarifies the role of DSS, confirms the importance of family and whānau support, and responds to Supreme Court issues regarding carers, while maintaining existing services and funding. With a record $2.1 billion investment and ongoing reforms, the Bill aims to stabilize and sustain disability support, benefiting around 55,000 disabled people and 26,000 children annually.
Tags: Disability Support Services Louise Upston New Zealand Government Disability Support Services Bill Supreme Court carers whānau flexible funding Social Services and Community Committee Child Development ServicesCustoms Minister Casey Costello Visits Samoa and Fiji for Pacific Crime Summit
17 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 654 viewsCustoms and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello is visiting Samoa and Fiji to fulfill her responsibilities and attend the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Minister’s meeting. The summit, jointly hosted by Fiji and Australia, gathers over 15 Pacific Police Ministers to enhance regional cooperation against transnational crime. During her visit, Ms. Costello is meeting with Samoan officials and conducting operational visits to key security facilities in Samoa.
Tags: Casey Costello Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi Samoa Fiji Pacific Transnational Crime Summit Customs Associate Police Minister Pacific Police Ministers New Zealand Apia PortFast-Track Approval Granted for Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Renewal
15 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 758 viewsThe Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in the Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval for re-consenting, enabling its continued operation and supporting New Zealand’s renewable energy goals by generating 169 GWh annually and avoiding 26,693 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This approval, the 23rd under the Fast-track process, took five and a half months following an independent expert panel review and highlights the scheme’s critical role in supplying electricity to approximately 24,600 households and contributing significantly to Tauranga's demand. The Fast-track process aims to expedite important infrastructure projects efficiently, with 46 projects currently progressing and 149 eligible under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Manawa Energy Limited Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand Infrastructure Minister Regional Development MinisterGovernment to Amend 19 Laws for Clear, Consistent Treaty of Waitangi References
14 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 740 viewsThe Government has agreed to amend 19 pieces of legislation to ensure clear and consistent references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, replacing vague terms with specific language or repealing some references. Following a comprehensive review, the Government decided to standardize references to “take into account” as the highest requirement and prefers using both the Treaty of Waitangi and te Tiriti o Waitangi in relevant provisions. This initial step includes ongoing consultations with Iwi and a full select committee process to allow public input.
Tags: Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Government Justice Minister Advisory Group Conservation Act Iwi legislation review te Tiriti o WaitangiGovernment Updates ACVM Bill to Boost Access to Agricultural Chemicals and Vet Medicines
14 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 816 viewsThe Government is introducing the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Amendment Bill to streamline access to new agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines by reducing regulatory complexity and focusing on real risks. The Bill enables reliance on trusted overseas assessments, expedites approval for low-risk products, and works alongside the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Amendment Bill to create a more adaptive, internationally aligned regulatory framework. These changes aim to enhance safety, trade competitiveness, transparency, and timely decision-making, with the Bill expected to complete parliamentary readings by late 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines ACVM Amendment Bill Ministry for Primary Industries Hazardous Substances and New Organisms HSNO Amendment Bill Primary Production Committee Food Safety Minister New Zealand government agricultural chemicalsNew Legislation Empowers Police with Move-On Orders to Tackle Disorderly Behaviour
14 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 767 viewsThe Government has introduced legislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to address disorderly behaviour in public places, aiming to improve safety in central cities. These orders target disruptive actions such as threatening behaviour, obstructing access to businesses, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals aged 14 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. The move-on orders are not criminal charges themselves, but breaching them can lead to prosecution, with the goal of reclaiming public spaces for residents, workers, and visitors.
Tags: Police disorderly behaviour legislation Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith public places law and order prosecution begging rough sleepingTribute to Sir Kenneth Keith: New Zealand’s Esteemed Jurist and Legal Pioneer
13 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 1019 viewsAttorney-General Chris Bishop honored the late Rt Hon Sir Kenneth Keith as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished jurists and legal scholars, whose six-decade career significantly impacted national and international law, legal education, and law reform. Sir Kenneth served at the highest judicial levels, including the Supreme Court and International Court of Justice, and contributed to major law reforms and New Zealand’s global legal presence. His legacy includes shaping key legal institutions with humility and dedication, earning him prestigious honors and lasting respect within the legal community.
Tags: Chris Bishop Kenneth Keith New Zealand Supreme Court International Court of Justice Law Commission Judicial Committee of the Privy Council legal scholar public servantHauraki Iwi Treaty Settlements Passed: Historic Redress for Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui
13 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 783 viewsAfter 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
Tags: Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Ngāti Tara Tokanui Ngāti Hei Paul Goldsmith Treaty of Waitangi Hauraki iwi Crown Pare Hauraki Collective Ministry for Culture and Heritage Department of Conservation