08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
448 views
An independent review of mental health and addiction telehealth services revealed that while core safety systems are in place, many people face long wait times and inconsistent follow-up after referrals. In response, the government is expanding peer support hours, piloting proactive follow-up calls, establishing a dedicated 24/7 national suicide prevention crisis line, and considering a telehealth target to improve wait times. Recent investments of over $10 million aim to enhance service capacity and ensure timely, accessible support for those in need.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
499 views
New Zealand has passed new legislation requiring everyone on recreational boats six metres or less to wear properly fitted lifejackets while underway, aiming to reduce preventable drownings. In 2025, 17 people died in recreational boating incidents, with 12 not wearing lifejackets, highlighting the urgent need for this safety measure. The law will take effect 28 days after Royal Assent, just in time for the summer season, supported by coordinated public information efforts from Maritime NZ and partners.
01 Sep 2026
1 month ago
550 views
From 1 March 2027, cervical screening will be free for all eligible women aged 25 to 69 in New Zealand, removing a financial barrier that currently limits participation, especially among younger women. The government has also released the New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026 to 2040, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by reducing cases to fewer than four per 100,000 women annually through vaccination, timely screening, and treatment targets. Key goals include increasing screening and vaccination rates, ensuring prompt follow-up care, and ultimately saving more lives by detecting and treating cervical cancer early.
01 Sep 2026
1 month ago
476 views
From 1 March 2027, cervical screening will be free for all eligible women aged 25 to 69 in New Zealand, aiming to remove cost barriers and increase screening rates. The government also released the New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026–2040, which sets ambitious targets to eliminate cervical cancer by reducing incidence and improving timely treatment and vaccination coverage. These initiatives build on existing programs to detect and treat cervical cancer early, ultimately saving more lives.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
661 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $3 million to establish three Youth Hubs in Hamilton, Nelson, and Hawke's Bay to provide faster, easier access to mental health and addiction support for young people aged 16 to 25. These hubs will offer counseling, peer support, and specialist services in one location, designed with input from young people to better meet their needs and reduce system fragmentation. Additionally, a $1 million investment is enhancing youth acute respite services in Waikato and Hawke's Bay to provide timely support and prevent crises from escalating.
24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
873 views
The Government has successfully completed the 2025–26 state highway renewal programme, investing a record $2.07 billion through the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme to maintain and improve New Zealand’s road infrastructure. Despite significant weather challenges, over 1,800 lane kilometres were resurfaced or rebuilt, with unfinished sites scheduled for completion next summer. Innovative construction techniques and effective communication have minimized disruption, ensuring safer, higher-quality roads vital for transportation and economic activity.
08 May 2026
5 months ago
1028 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey officially opened the South Island Needle Exchange Programme, New Zealand’s first harm reduction initiative aimed at preventing substance-related harm and reducing blood-borne infections like HIV and hepatitis C. The programme, delivered by the Te Waipounamu Collective, provides not only clean equipment but also health information, overdose prevention, and referral services to support people at all stages of addiction. This initiative complements broader government efforts, including increased investment in substance harm prevention, workforce expansion, and community-based support services, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced addiction-related harms.
07 May 2026
5 months ago
1149 views
The New Zealand Government has launched the Little Matters initiative, a set of 10 everyday actions for parents and caregivers to help prevent sexual harm and build safer environments for children. This evidence-based program aims to shift responsibility from children to adults, integrating its messaging into prevention services and community programs, with effectiveness tracked through independent research. ACC reports over 14,000 new sensitive claims annually, highlighting the urgent need for multi-faceted prevention efforts like Little Matters to foster healthier, safer future relationships.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
1137 views
Northland is receiving improved youth mental health support with the launch of a dedicated Youth Acute Respite Service and three additional Youth Suicide Prevention Coordination roles, backed by $1.7 million in annual funding. This initiative responds to a coroner’s report on the loss of six young people, aiming to provide earlier crisis intervention and reduce hospital admissions by creating a more connected support system. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible mental health services nationwide and addressing identified regional needs.
30 Apr 2026
5 months ago
925 views
The Government and the Cancer Society are jointly investing $2 million to expand the SunSmart programme, aiming to enhance national skin cancer prevention through education in schools, workplaces, and communities. New Zealand faces high rates of skin cancer, with thousands diagnosed annually and significant mortality, making prevention and early detection critical. The expanded initiative will include updated digital content, practical resources, and targeted support for outdoor workers, responding to widespread sunburn prevalence and the need for coordinated public health efforts.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
950 views
The Online Casino Gambling Bill has passed its final reading, introducing a regulatory regime that enhances consumer protections and ensures gambling revenue benefits local communities. It establishes up to 15 licenses for operators who must exclude problem gamblers and comply with strict harm prevention measures, while the Department of Internal Affairs gains stronger enforcement powers, including penalties up to $5 million. The Bill also closes tax loopholes, requires licensed operators to pay taxes, and will be followed by supporting regulations on advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protection.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1234 views
The New Zealand Government has successfully improved pothole repairs on state highways, with around 98% fixed within 24 hours each month since July 2024, meeting or exceeding set targets. This progress is supported by a dedicated $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Fund over three years, focusing on extensive road rehabilitation, resealing, and drainage maintenance to reduce pothole formation. These efforts have enhanced road safety and reliability, with ongoing maintenance programs and public reporting encouraged to sustain improvements.
30 Jan 2026
8 months ago
1277 views
The New Zealand Government, through ACC, is partnering with NZ Young Farmers to sponsor the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, aiming to support and develop future leaders in the food and fibre sector. This collaboration emphasizes injury prevention, safety, and recovery in farming, addressing the high risk of agricultural injuries and the significant costs associated with them. By integrating ACC’s expertise, the competition promotes safe, sustainable farming careers while highlighting the skills, resilience, and leadership required in New Zealand’s vital agricultural industry.
22 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1503 views
The New Zealand government is investing $848,000 in grants to support community-led safety programs and compliance checks aimed at reducing harm in high-risk recreational maritime environments this summer. Funding includes $773,000 for 30 education initiatives targeting small craft users and vulnerable groups, and $75,000 for 11 regional authorities to conduct on-water compliance checks nationwide. With an average of 37 drowning deaths each summer, officials emphasize the importance of wearing lifejackets and promoting water safety to prevent these tragedies.
25 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1129 views
Today is White Ribbon Day, a national event encouraging people to oppose violence against women and celebrate men who promote healthy relationships. The day marks the start of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign, which raises awareness about gender-based violence and calls for an end to discriminatory attitudes. Government officials and high-profile women are collaborating with organizations like UN Women Aotearoa to share messages and resources aimed at creating safer communities and supporting victims.