Articles tagged with New Zealand
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Unleashing New Zealand's Geothermal Potential: A Vision for Sustainable Development
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2693 viewsThe Minister for Resources and Regional Development welcomes attendees to the launch of a draft strategy to unlock New Zealand's geothermal potential, highlighting the historical significance and current opportunities of geothermal resources. Geothermal energy plays a vital role in New Zealand's electricity generation and various industries, contributing to economic growth and innovation, with plans to double geothermal energy use by 2040 and explore supercritical geothermal technology for increased energy production. The government aims to establish New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including iwi, to drive regional economies and achieve energy resilience.
Tags: Minister for Resources Regional Development Tania Tapsell David Trewavas Rotorua Taupō New Zealand Geothermal Association Māori Kiwi geothermal resourcesNew Zealand's Geothermal Energy Expansion Plan for 2040: Unlocking Potential
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 3030 viewsNew Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.
Tags: Shane Jones geothermal energy New Zealand Resources Minister electricity generation sustainable development innovation Māori economy industrial growth consultationKiwibank Empowered to Challenge Big Four Aussie Banks with $500M Capital Boost
29 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1740 viewsKiwibank has been authorized to enhance its competition with the dominant Australian-owned banks in New Zealand's banking sector by raising up to $500 million in capital for growth. This move is aimed at enabling Kiwibank to better compete with the big four Australian banks while preserving its New Zealand identity. The government has approved measures to ensure Kiwibank's New Zealand identity, including maintaining majority government ownership and requiring key operational aspects to remain in New Zealand.
Tags: Kiwibank Nicola Willis Finance Minister Commerce Commission New Zealand Kiwi Group Capital Māori institutions New Zealand KiwiSaver funds stock marketNew Zealand Bans Surcharges to Save Millions: Commerce Minister's Decision
28 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 3277 viewsCommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the axing of surcharges to benefit New Zealanders financially. The move aims to eliminate the hassle and unexpected costs shoppers face at the checkout. By banning surcharges for in-store payments by May 2026, consumers can shop confidently without being penalized for their payment method choice.
Tags: surcharges money Kiwis Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson New Zealanders ban payments fees Commerce CommissionNew Zealand Farmers' Confidence Soars: Leading the Charge to Double Export Value
27 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2970 viewsFarmer confidence in New Zealand has reached an eight-year high, indicating the resilience of the sector and progress towards doubling export value. The shift in sentiment is evident from the latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey, showing a significant increase in confidence levels. This positive trend is attributed to the hard work of rural New Zealanders and government support, with key improvements in profitability, productivity, and mental health reported.
Tags: Farmer confidence Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay New Zealand export value Federated Farmers Confidence Survey rural New Zealanders Labour government profitability mental healthNew Zealand Construction Industry Welcomes Expanded Range of Building Products for Cost Savings and Quality Boost
27 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1584 viewsStarting tomorrow, New Zealand will see increased accessibility of various building products such as plasterboard, cladding systems, external doors, and windows, aiming to boost the construction industry and lower building costs. The government, led by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, is focused on driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving wages through initiatives like allowing quality overseas building products into the market. These changes are part of a broader effort to introduce competition, reduce costly monopolies, and streamline the use of international building standards, with the Building Product Specifications document being a key resource for this transition.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand construction building products economic growth plasterboard cladding systems external doors windows AustraliaNew Mental Health Accreditation Pathway Opens Doors for 330 Counsellors in NZ Public Services
26 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2144 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announces the removal of a workforce barrier for over 330 experienced counsellors in publicly funded mental health services through a revised accreditation process with Health New Zealand and NZAC. The strengthened accreditation pathway aims to address workforce shortages and increase timely mental health support for New Zealanders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce vacancies, utilize underutilized workforces, and improve access to mental health services.
Tags: Matt Doocey Health New Zealand New Zealand Association of Counsellors workforce barriers mental health support workforce shortages Health NZ counselling primary mental health workforce peer support specialistsNew Zealand Bolsters Cybercrime Protection with Budapest Convention Passage
24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2208 viewsNew Zealand passes legislation to enhance protection against cybercrime, with 11% of citizens falling victim to online threats in 2024, resulting in significant emotional and financial harm. Joining the Budapest Convention will enable cooperation with other countries in criminal investigations and align domestic laws with international standards. Provisions in the Bill include new preservation directions, amendments to enhance mutual assistance in criminal matters, and updates to the Crimes Act to address cybercrime comprehensively.
Tags: New Zealanders cybercrime legislation Paul Goldsmith fraud National Cyber Security Centre Budapest Convention Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime law enforcement agencies criminal investigationsNew Guidelines for Prescribing Psilocybin to Treat Depression Welcomed by Associate Health Minister
24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1940 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour supports the publication of guidelines by Medsafe for prescribing Psilocybin to treat depression, aligning New Zealand with Australia. The guidelines require practitioners to meet specific criteria, including registration with the Medical Council and expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Approval allows experienced psychiatrists to prescribe Psilocybin to patients with treatment-resistant depression, with the potential for more practitioners to follow suit, expanding access to this treatment option.
Tags: David Seymour Medsafe Psilocybin Depression New Zealand Australia Psychiatrist Medical Council Psychotherapeutic processes GuidelinesYvonne Browning MNZM Appointed to Tertiary Education Commission Board by Vocational Education Minister
24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2024 viewsYvonne Browning MNZM has been appointed to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission by Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds. Browning's passion for enabling students, especially young women, to reach their potential through tertiary education and training was highlighted. Her experience as Principal of Southland Girls’ High School and her efforts in promoting engineering careers for young women were emphasized as valuable assets for the TEC's mission to prepare students for further education, training, and employment.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Yvonne Browning Tertiary Education Commission Education Minister Southland Girls’ High School New Zealand Order of Merit Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter engineering education youthGovernment Invests $24 Million in AI and Biotech Research for Healthier Living and Sustainable Food Industries
24 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1714 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is investing $24 million in research programs with Singapore to advance AI tools for healthy aging and biotechnology for sustainable food production, aiming for practical applications and economic growth. The AI program focuses on enhancing health outcomes for older adults through AI-assisted assessments and cognitive health monitoring, while the biotechnology program aims to develop scalable food solutions like algae-based foods and bio-fermented functional foods. These collaborations will deepen research ties, build capabilities in AI and biotechnology, and address global challenges with New Zealand science leading the way.
Tags: Shane Reti AI biotechnology Singapore science innovation technology New Zealanders Catalyst Fund artificial intelligenceGovernment-backed Gumboot Friday Provides Vital Mental Health Support for Young New Zealanders
23 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1952 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey supports Gumboot Friday, an initiative aiding youth mental health. Government funding has enabled over 30,000 counseling sessions for 10,000 young New Zealanders. The initiative plans to expand, with 700 counselors registered and aims to reach 15,000 youth with 40,000 sessions in 2025/26.
Tags: Matt Doocey Government funding Gumboot Friday young people mental health support counselling sessions New Zealanders counsellors I Am Hope partnership‘Everyone Must Go’ Campaign Drives Surge in Australian Tourism to New Zealand
23 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2051 viewsThe 'Everyone Must Go' campaign in New Zealand exceeded expectations, bringing in over 7,981 additional visitors and generating significant attention on both sides of the Tasman. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the campaign's success in boosting regional economies and tourism operators through collaboration between the sector and government. The campaign's strong results led to further investment, showcasing the positive impact of targeted marketing efforts on driving economic growth and supporting the tourism industry.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism New Zealand Australia Campaign Economy Tourism Minister Visitors Regional Economies Tourism OperatorsDr. Shane Reti Affirms New Zealand's Commitment to Pacific Priorities at Forum Meeting in Fiji
23 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 2699 viewsDr Shane Reti, Pacific Peoples Minister, attended the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Suva, Fiji, reaffirming New Zealand's commitment to Pacific-led priorities and announcing new support for climate resilience and public health initiatives. The Forum focused on strengthening regional ties, addressing economic development, banking access, and labor mobility challenges. Dr Reti launched Fiji's NZ$3.2 million participation in the Pacific Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management Partnership to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, and announced NZ$4 million in support of Fiji's response to its national HIV outbreak to reduce transmission and fight stigma.
Tags: Shane Reti Pacific Peoples Minister Suva Fiji New Zealand Pacific Islands Forum Climate resilience Public health Economic development Labour mobilityGovernment Unveils Plan to Combat Rising Homelessness Crisis in New Zealand
23 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1981 viewsThe Government released the latest Homelessness Insights Report, addressing the issue of homelessness in New Zealand and the increasing numbers of people without shelter. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka emphasized the need for targeted interventions and support services to combat homelessness, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the importance of engaging with frontline organizations. The Government is committed to long-term solutions, including reforms in the housing market, infrastructure funding, and social housing systems to address the root causes of homelessness and provide stable housing for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Government Homelessness Insights Report New Zealand Housing Minister Chris Bishop Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Auckland City Mission Salvation Army Emergency Housing Transitional Housing