Articles tagged with Potaka

Showing 15 of 107 articles

Government Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims

26 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1046 views

The Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.

Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty Tairāwhiti

New DOC Cadetship Programme Launches to Build Future Conservation Workforce

26 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1095 views

The Department of Conservation has launched the Te Pū Hono cadetship programme in Renwick, a 30-month paid initiative aimed at developing a skilled conservation workforce for long-term careers. Selected cadets gain hands-on experience in various conservation tasks, including ecological monitoring, weed control, and historic site restoration, with opportunities to specialize in areas like chainsaw operations. The programme, supported by the government, seeks to ensure DOC’s capability to protect New Zealand’s natural and cultural assets while fostering strong interest in conservation careers.

Tags: Tama Potaka Department of Conservation Te Pū Hono Renwick Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau Te Tauihu kaihonoa taiao Ōmaka Marae New Zealand conservation DOC cadetship

Government Invests $10M to Upgrade National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty

23 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1175 views

The Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.

Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Te Kooti Ringatū Rātana Bay of Plenty Wainui Marae Māori Development Regional Infrastructure Fund Ringatū Church Incorporated

Milford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management

19 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1131 views

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.

Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand Government

Government Eases Mining and Quarry Consents to Boost Infrastructure and Economy

14 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1167 views

The New Zealand Government has enacted amendments to five major National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act to simplify consenting for mines, quarries, and coastal activities, aiming to support infrastructure development and economic growth. These changes streamline the planning system by reducing duplication and conflicting language, enabling more efficient resource development while maintaining environmental safeguards and supporting sectors like renewable energy and aquaculture. The reforms, effective January 2026, represent the first tranche of RMA national direction updates designed to integrate smoothly with the forthcoming new planning system, with further instruments planned for future consideration.

Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Tama Potaka RMA Reform National Policy Statement New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement aquaculture Resource Management Act infrastructure Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act

Government Report Shows Progress and Accountability in Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025

19 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1339 views

The Government's Whole of System Report on Treaty Settlement Delivery 2025 highlights increased progress, with 83.3% of commitments complete or on track and reduced delivery issues. The report includes new insights from post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs), revealing that successful Treaty relationships rely on reciprocal engagement, timely delivery, and adequate resourcing. Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka emphasizes the importance of accountability, trust, and partnership to strengthen Treaty relationships and ensure commitments are met.

Tags: Tama Potaka Māori Crown Relations Treaty Settlement Core Crown Report PSGEs Government Accountability Treaty Relationships Treaty Delivery Crown Agencies

Top of the South Land Returned to Māori Descendants with Public Access Secured

16 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1138 views

Approximately 7,583 acres of Top of the South land will be returned to descendants of its original Te Tauihu Māori owners following a private litigation dating back to the 1840s, with the Crown acknowledging its legal duty and agreeing to a $420 million payment. Despite the land transfer, public access to key areas like the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve will continue uninterrupted under a 25-year agreement, ensuring ongoing use by visitors, schools, and local communities. This resolution differs from Treaty settlements as it involves returning land to rightful owners based on private property law, balancing legal ownership with current public and conservation uses.

Tags: Judith Collins Tama Potaka Rore Stafford Te Tauihu Māori Crown New Zealand Company Abel Tasman Great Walk Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Supreme Court High Court

Crown Returns Historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi in Landmark Treaty Settlement

16 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1415 views

Legislation passed in Parliament returns the historic Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi, marking a significant step in advancing Treaty settlement negotiations and righting past wrongs. The pā, a vital site of learning, diplomacy, and trade, will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust in 2026, who will act as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi while maintaining its historic reserve status and public access. This milestone reflects years of dedicated negotiations and honors the enduring relationships and shared history between the Crown and Ngāpuhi.

Tags: Ngāpuhi Kororipo Pā Paul Goldsmith Tama Potaka Ngāti Rēhia Treaty Negotiations Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust Treaty settlement New Zealand Crown

Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing, Rehousing Families for Stability

15 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1274 views

The Government has officially ended contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, reducing reliance on temporary motel accommodations by 85 percent and rehousing all families into permanent homes. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, which trapped families in unstable living situations and damaged the city's reputation. While contracted emergency housing motels have closed, non-contracted emergency housing remains available as a last-resort option for those in genuine need.

Tags: Tama Potaka Todd McClay Rotorua Government Emergency Housing Housing Minister Labour Government Whānau Tourism Homelessness

Conservation Minister Approves Protection for 80% of West Coast Stewardship Land

11 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 857 views

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that 385 out of 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island will proceed, protecting over 190,000 hectares under the Reserves Act and more than 300,000 hectares under the Conservation Act, with some land added to National Parks or considered for disposal. This significant reclassification, the largest since 1987, aims to provide clarity and certainty for land use, respecting conservation, cultural values, and existing rights such as tourism and mining concessions, while maintaining access for Ngāi Tahu’s pounamu gathering. The process, involving extensive consultation and collaboration with panels and communities, culminates in the creation of new reserves like the 181,000-hectare Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve and referrals of key stewardship areas for national park additions to ensure long-term protection.

Tags: Tama Potaka Ngāi Tahu Tarahanga e Toru New Zealand Conservation Authority DOC West Coast South Island Cave Creek Pike River National Parks

Our Whare Our Fale: Affordable Homes and Jobs Boost in Eastern Porirua

08 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 871 views

The Our Whare Our Fale housing programme in Eastern Porirua has completed its first stage, delivering 18 affordable, energy-efficient homes and a communal fale, with plans for up to 300 homes by 2034. The initiative, supported by a $114.6 million government investment and partnerships with local iwi and community groups, creates local jobs and offers financial support measures like shared equity and perpetual land leases to keep homes affordable. This programme aims to strengthen the local economy, promote multigenerational living, and provide families with stable, healthy housing and improved financial security.

Tags: Shane Reti Tama Potaka Central Pacific Collective Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Ministry for Pacific Peoples Ngāti Toa Our Whare Our Fale Pacific Peoples Minister Associate Housing Minister Eastern Porirua

New Zealand Retirement Village Reforms: Fairness, Clarity, and Resident Protection

03 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 884 views

The New Zealand Government is introducing reforms to the Retirement Villages Act to enhance clarity, fairness, and transparency for residents and their families, addressing issues such as repayment delays and legal complexities. Key changes include clearer legal documents, upfront operator disclosures, an independent disputes scheme, and improved financial protections like timely fund repayments and cessation of fees upon vacancy. These balanced reforms, shaped by extensive public feedback, aim to strengthen residents' rights while supporting the sector’s growth and will be introduced to Parliament mid-next year.

Tags: Tama Potaka Casey Costello Retirement Villages Act New Zealand Government retirement villages aged care Retirement Commissioner National – New Zealand First Coalition housing reform residents rights

New Zealand Adds Feral Cats to Predator Free 2050 to Protect Wildlife

21 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 922 views

The Government is adding feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target list to better protect native wildlife, supported by over 90% of public submissions. This inclusion will enhance national coordination, funding access, research, and conservation efforts against feral cats, which threaten native species and spread diseases like toxoplasmosis. Domestic cats are excluded from this target, with emphasis on responsible pet ownership, while further strategy details will be released in March 2026.

Tags: Tama Potaka Predator Free 2050 feral cats Department of Conservation Aotearoa New Zealand toxoplasmosis pukunui southern dotterel Ohakune

Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing Motels, Rehomes All Families

19 Nov 2025 | 9 months ago | 909 views

The Government has ended the use of Contracted Emergency Housing motels in Rotorua, reducing households in CEH from over 240 to zero through coordinated efforts with local partners. This marks a significant turnaround from a previously broken emergency housing system that caused social and economic harm, restoring safety and stability to the city. Ongoing initiatives, including new affordable rental homes, aim to strengthen Rotorua’s housing supply and support its economic growth.

Tags: Tama Potaka Rotorua HUD MSD Ngāti Whakaue Te Arawa Visions of a Helping Hand WERA Aotearoa Emerge Aotearoa Rotorua Lakes Council

New Cycle Trails Boost Ruapehu Tourism and Economy

31 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 974 views

The Government is funding the completion of Te Ara Mangawhero and Te Hangāruru trails, connecting them to create the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey, aiming to attract more visitors to the Ruapehu region and boost the Central North Island economy. These trails are crucial for completing the full 231km journey from Mount Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea, with only one section left to finish. The project, led by various trusts and organizations, emphasizes partnership, cultural significance, and environmental sustainability, with completion expected by early 2027 through funding from the International Visitor Levy and the Major Events and Tourism Package.

Tags: Ruapehu region Central North Island economy Te Ara Mangawhero Te Hangāruru trails Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle journey Louise Upston Tama Potaka Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust Te Korowai o Wainuiārua