10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1216 views
The Government awarded $129,000 to Northland Regional Council to assist in removing caulerpa seaweed washed up on beaches after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam in April, using emergency waste funding. Local hapū, volunteers, and council staff swiftly removed over 100 tonnes of the invasive seaweed to prevent harm to coastlines and marine ecosystems. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds commended the efforts and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Exotic Caulerpa Elimination Project supported by $6.2 million to address the issue at its source.
29 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1316 views
The Government has allocated up to $2 million to Tasman District Council for flood recovery efforts, including waste cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds highlights the challenges faced by the region, particularly in areas like Riwaka and along the Motueka River. The emergency waste funding aims to support councils in managing waste after emergencies and help communities like Tasman towards recovery.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2243 views
Yvonne 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.
14 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3467 views
Ten polytechnics will be re-established from 1 January 2026, aiming to restore regional decision-making and support economic growth, according to Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds. The move is part of building a locally led and future-focused vocational education system, following extensive industry feedback. The new federation will include ten polytechnics, with Te Pūkenga acting as a transitional entity for up to a year to manage unallocated programmes and support the handover process.
02 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2273 views
Eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will give industry a strong voice in work-based learning, ensuring the system delivers the right skills, in the right places, for a growing economy, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says. “The Government promised to disestablish Te Pūkenga and return decision-making to local providers and industry. The Industry Skills Boards are a key part of delivering on that promise,” Ms Simmonds says.