Articles tagged with National
Showing 15 of 276 articles
Restoration Proposals Open for Historic Chateau Tongariro in National Park
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 2923 viewsThe Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on 19 March 2026 to find experienced operators to restore and manage the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings. The proposals must balance commercial viability with heritage conservation, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the cultural significance of Tongariro National Park. The selection panel will evaluate submissions to ensure the restoration supports tourism, local businesses, and aligns with the park's values, with no guarantee of concession awarded.
Tags: Chateau Tongariro Tama Potaka Tongariro National Park New Zealand Conservation Minister heritage restoration tourism tangata whenua Department of Conservation RFP 2026New Zealand Releases Oil Tickets to Support Global Supply Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1086 viewsNew Zealand will release 1.577 million barrels of crude oil purchase options, known as oil tickets, to support the International Energy Agency’s collective response to oil supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. This contribution, part of a larger IEA release of 400 million barrels, aims to ease global refinery pressure and stabilize markets without affecting New Zealand’s domestic fuel security. The released tickets pertain to crude oil and fuels incompatible with New Zealand’s system, meaning no physical oil supply will be directly released.
Tags: New Zealand International Energy Agency Shane Jones Strait of Hormuz oil tickets crude oil fuel security Middle East Ministry of Business Innovation and EmploymentFast-Track Approval Granted for New Zealand’s Green Steel Manufacturing Plant
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 1436 viewsNational Green Steel Limited’s structural steel manufacturing plant in Hampton Downs, Waikato, has been approved through the Fast-track process, aiming to produce 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually using low-carbon electric arc furnace technology. The project will reduce steel imports, enable local recycling of scrap metal, create about 200 skilled jobs, and support New Zealand’s infrastructure development by strengthening supply chains. This is the 13th project approved under Fast-track and the first infrastructure project involving steel manufacturing, reflecting industry readiness to invest in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Tags: Mr Bishop Mr Jones Mr Watts National Green Steel Limited New Zealand Green Steel Hampton Downs Waikato AucklandEnergy Minister Simon Watts to Attend Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum 2026
13 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 968 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts is traveling to Japan to participate in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum, emphasizing the importance of energy security amid Middle East conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty. New Zealand is committed to securing global energy supply chains, particularly for liquid fuels, and remains prepared with resilient fuel systems and healthy stockpiles. The forum provides a key opportunity for New Zealand to collaborate with Indo-Pacific partners and support the International Energy Agency’s collective actions.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister New Zealand International Energy Agency energy security fuel supply Middle East conflict international collaborationOranga Tamariki Improves Child Safety with 97% Timely Visits and Better Support
13 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 914 viewsOranga Tamariki has shown significant progress in child care and protection, with 97% of children visited by social workers on time and improved compliance with caregiver support plans. There has been a notable reduction in serious offending behavior and harm among children in state care, supported by increased social worker recruitment, $68 million investment in case management technology, and enhanced training. Despite challenges like high reports of concern and insufficient supported accommodation, Minister Karen Chhour remains committed to improving the system and prioritizing child wellbeing.
Tags: Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki Minister for Children social workers child protection National Care Standards caregiver support children in care youth offending case management technologyNew Zealand and Cambodia Strengthen Ties with High-Level Diplomatic Visit
12 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 897 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn to New Zealand, marking the first high-level Cambodian visit since 2019 and highlighting the strengthening bilateral relationship. They discussed collaboration on development, regional security, and shared commitment to a rules-based international system, with Peters announcing NZ$7.5 million in additional support for mine clearance and victim assistance in Cambodia. This visit follows New Zealand’s recent trip to Cambodia, underscoring mutual dedication to deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tags: Winston Peters Prak Sokhonn New Zealand Cambodia Foreign Minister Deputy Prime Minister mine clearance regional peace international cooperationGovernment Responds to Health Committee Report on Aged Care for Neurological Disorders
10 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 957 viewsThe Government has welcomed the Health Committee’s report on aged care support for people with neurological cognitive disorders, following an inquiry launched in 2024 that gathered extensive input and made 14 recommendations. The Government’s response acknowledges these recommendations and will consider them through ongoing aged care reforms, including work by the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group. Committed to improving access and quality of care, the Government aims to ensure timely support for older people, particularly those with neurological cognitive conditions.
Tags: Casey Costello Health Committee New Zealand First National coalition Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group Government neurological cognitive disorders dementia aged care ParliamentNew Zealand Welcomes Second Private Building Consent Authority to Boost Efficiency
04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1154 viewsNew Zealand has approved its second private Building Consent Authority (BCA), Farsight NZ Limited Partnership, to increase competition and capacity in the building consent system, aiming to reduce paperwork and speed up approvals. Farsight will manage key building control tasks for Summerset, a major residential builder, which will help alleviate pressure on council BCAs and improve consistency in applying the Building Code. All BCAs, including private ones, must meet strict accreditation and legal requirements to ensure strong consumer protections and efficient service delivery.
Tags: Chris Penk Farsight NZ Limited Partnership Building Consent Authority Building Consent Approvals Limited Summerset Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Kāinga Ora International Accreditation New Zealand Building Code New ZealandNew BoardConnector Database Boosts Women’s Leadership Roles in NZ
04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1106 viewsA new database called BoardConnector has been launched to support women's progress into leadership and governance roles in New Zealand, providing access to training and a pool of governance-ready leaders. Minister Nicola Grigg emphasizes that increasing female representation on boards strengthens decision-making and economic growth, while addressing gender pay and retirement savings gaps. Despite progress, women hold only 31 percent of private-sector director positions, highlighting the need for tools that drive meaningful change and economic empowerment for women.
Tags: Nicola Grigg International Women’s Day women’s leadership BoardConnector governance female directors economic empowerment gender pay gap New Zealand women in businessNew Zealand’s Trade Hits $61.2B in Q4 with Strong Export Growth
04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1012 viewsNew Zealand's international trade statistics reveal strong export growth, reaching $29.2 billion in the December quarter, driven by key sectors like dairy, tourism, and meat. Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay highlights the importance of open markets, strong trading relationships, and government support in sustaining this success amid global economic uncertainty. The government remains committed to enhancing trade by reducing barriers, expanding free trade agreements, and empowering exporters to drive economic growth and job creation.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi exporters international trade dairy exports tourism meat exports trade statistics free trade agreements New Zealand economyInternational Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025
04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1107 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.
Tags: New Zealand international visitors tourism visitor spend Louise Upston Australia United States hospitality MBIE tourism exportsNew Appointments to University of Otago Council Strengthen Governance and Leadership
02 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 967 viewsUniversities Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the appointment of Chris Hopkins and Dr Peter Bramley to the University of Otago Council, emphasizing the importance of strong governance in supporting universities' roles in workforce education and economic growth. Hopkins brings extensive leadership and financial management experience, while Bramley offers expertise in health management and academic lecturing. Dr Reti also thanked outgoing members Malcolm Wong and Hon Clare Curran for their service, highlighting the council's role in developing New Zealand's future skills and leadership.
Tags: Shane Reti Chris Hopkins Peter Bramley Malcolm Wong Clare Curran University of Otago University of Canterbury Dunedin International Airport Universities Minister New ZealandNew Zealand Expands RNZAF Ohakea as 24/7 Alternate Runway for Wide-Body Aircraft
25 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1054 viewsNew Zealand will enhance its international aviation resilience by enabling RNZAF Base Ohakea to operate as a 24/7 alternate runway for wide-body aircraft, supported by government funding for round-the-clock air traffic control. This upgrade, part of the Aviation Action Plan, improves flight viability by allowing aircraft to carry less fuel and operate at full capacity, benefiting tourism, exports, and regional economies. Additionally, the government and industry have collaborated on multiple initiatives to address workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, and sustainable aviation, signaling a strong commitment to future-proofing the sector.
Tags: James Meager Airways New Zealand RNZAF Base Ohakea Aviation Council Associate Transport Minister Aviation Action Plan International Civil Aviation Organization New Zealand Government Aviation sector Advanced aviationRNZAF Base Ohakea to Support 24/7 Wide Body Aircraft Landings Boosting NZ Aviation
25 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1031 viewsNew Zealand is enhancing its international aviation resilience by funding 24/7 air traffic control at RNZAF Base Ohakea, allowing it to serve as an alternate runway for wide-body aircraft overnight, which improves flight viability and benefits tourism and regional economies. This initiative completes a key action of the Aviation Action Plan, which includes 25 measures to grow and future-proof the sector, with significant progress made through government and industry collaboration. Additional efforts include supporting regional routes, updating pilot training, promoting sustainable aviation, and addressing workforce and infrastructure needs to reduce barriers and foster long-term growth.
Tags: James Meager RNZAF Base Ohakea Airways New Zealand Aviation Council Associate Transport Minister Aviation Action Plan International Civil Aviation Organization New Zealand government Aviation sector Air traffic controlNew Police Move-On Powers Boost Safety in Auckland City Centre
21 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1005 viewsThe Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.
Tags: Simeon Brown Auckland Police Housing First Auckland Council City Rail Link International Convention Centre Government CBD Tourism