Articles tagged with Sit

Showing 15 of 145 articles

New Rural Training Hub in Wairoa Boosts Frontline Health Workforce

11 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 973 views

A Rural Training Hub will be established in the Wairoa District to grow and retain frontline health workers by coordinating clinical placements, training, and support locally. This initiative, the second of four nationwide, aims to improve access to quality healthcare for rural New Zealanders by bringing education and work opportunities closer to home. The hubs will be co-designed with local communities and provide dedicated coordinators to help health workers settle and connect with local services, enhancing the rural health workforce.

Tags: Matt Doocey Wairoa District Rural Training Hub New Zealand rural health workforce South Taranaki University of Waikato Rural Medical Immersion Programme frontline health workers health worker education

International Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025

04 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1107 views

International 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 exports

New Zealand Tourism Hits $46.6B in Spending, Boosts Jobs and Economy

03 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1059 views

New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.

Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Stats NZ Tourism Satellite Account NZeTA Government Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tourism sector Overseas visitors Major Events and Tourism Package

New Appointments to University of Otago Council Strengthen Governance and Leadership

02 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 967 views

Universities 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 Zealand

Apply Now: New Zealand’s Applied Doctorates Scheme Supports Industry-Driven PhD Research

25 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1034 views

The Applied Doctorates Scheme, supported by a $20 million government investment, connects PhD students with industry to address real-world challenges while developing advanced research and commercial skills. The 2025 cohort focused on energy innovation with 25 industry-led projects, and the 2026 round is now open for applications centered on Aerospace, Defence, and Security. This initiative aims to build a skilled research workforce that drives economic and community benefits for New Zealand through applied science.

Tags: Shane Reti Contact Energy Vector Victoria University Rio Tinto New Zealand Aluminium Smelter Applied Doctorates Scheme Science Innovation and Technology Aerospace Defence Security Biotechnology Bioprocessing

New Insights Reveal Why and How New Zealanders Travel Domestically in 2025

24 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1099 views

The new Domestic Visitor Survey, conducted in late 2025, reveals that three in five New Zealanders took overnight trips and nearly half took day trips in the previous six months, with main motivations being visiting family and relaxation. Domestic tourism accounts for about 60% of New Zealand's tourism expenditure, making these insights crucial for industry planning and responding to travel trends, especially as international visitor numbers recover post-COVID. The survey highlights high trip satisfaction, common planning methods, and barriers like cost and weather, with further data releases planned to support ongoing tourism development.

Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Domestic Visitor Survey Tourism Hospitality Verian Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre Covid Census

Government Expands Digital Manufacturing Light Program to Boost NZ Manufacturers

23 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 977 views

The New Zealand Government is expanding the University of Auckland’s Digital Manufacturing Light programme to help at least 180 small and medium-sized manufacturers in key regions adopt affordable digital technologies, boosting productivity and workforce skills. The programme provides tailored assessments, installation support, and training to integrate low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies without major capital investment, enabling manufacturers to modernize operations and gain real-time insights. This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the national economy, with potential GDP growth of $8.6 billion from faster digital adoption.

Tags: Chris Penk University of Auckland Auckland Council Xero New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Institute for Manufacturing University of Cambridge Digital Manufacturing Light Small Business and Manufacturing Minister New Zealand Government

Education Minister Appoints Debbie Francis to Revitalize Teaching Council Board

23 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1101 views

Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced Debbie Francis's appointment to the Teaching Council board to support the organisation through significant challenges. Francis, with extensive experience in organisational change and strategy across public and private sectors, is expected to help address pressing issues and restore trust in the council. Her background includes leadership roles at PwC, educational institutions, and a Masters in Public Policy, highlighting her capability to contribute effectively to the council's renewal.

Tags: Erica Stanford Debbie Francis Teaching Council PwC New Zealand Correspondence School UCOL Lincoln University Education Minister organisational change public policy

Government Invests $3.5M to Restore Tongariro National Park After Fires

20 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1008 views

The Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.

Tags: Tongariro National Park Tama Potaka Ruapehu District Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro Department of Conservation Maunga Ora International Visitor Levy biodiversity pest management ecological restoration

Six Students Awarded 2026 On Farm Support Science Scholarships for Agriculture

19 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1071 views

Six tertiary students from Lincoln University, Massey University, and the University of Canterbury have been awarded $5,000 On Farm Support Science Scholarships to support their studies in agricultural science, commerce, and environmental sustainability. The scholarships aim to develop the next generation of on-farm advisers who will provide specialized expertise and advice to farmers and growers, with recipients also receiving mentorship from the Ministry for Primary Industries. These students have diverse interests spanning dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, agri-tech, and sustainability, and are poised to contribute to the future resilience and innovation of New Zealand's food and fibre sector.

Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Cameron Brans Jack Green Fraser Wilson Eibhlin Lynch Ella Hogan Cecily Holland Lincoln University Massey University

Brett Donald Tantrum Appointed High Court Judge in Auckland Effective March 2026

19 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 973 views

Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Brett Donald Tantrum, an experienced Auckland barrister and solicitor, as a High Court Judge effective 30 March 2026. Justice Tantrum has extensive expertise in criminal law, including prosecuting serious offences such as homicide, organised crime, and sexual violence, and has served as a Principal Crown Prosecutor since 2017. His career includes roles at Meredith Connell, a professional exchange in Sydney, and involvement in criminal appeals and public law matters.

Tags: Judith Collins Brett Donald Tantrum Auckland University of Auckland Bell Gully Meredith Connell Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Crown Law Serious Fraud Office High Court Judge

New Zealand Joins Global Effort to Secure Critical Minerals for Energy Future

19 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1057 views

New Zealand has joined 32 member countries at the 2026 International Energy Agency Ministerial meeting in endorsing a Declaration to strengthen global cooperation on critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition and long-term energy security. The Declaration directs the IEA to enhance data collection, market monitoring, emergency preparedness, and innovation in recycling and recovery, while New Zealand aims to leverage its mineral resources and strong environmental standards to become a reliable supplier in global critical mineral supply chains. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasized that responsible development of these minerals will boost economic resilience, create skilled jobs, and strengthen international partnerships.

Tags: New Zealand Simon Watts Shane Jones International Energy Agency critical minerals energy security clean energy transition lithium rare earth elements vanadium

Visa-Free Travel Boosts New Zealand Tourism with 36,800 Chinese and Pacific Visitors

19 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1140 views

A new visa-free travel option via the New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors arriving from Australia has significantly increased tourism, with visits nearly tripling to 36,800 and generating an estimated $210 million in economic benefits. This streamlined process reduces costs and wait times compared to traditional visas, prompting 85% of Chinese and 82% of Pacific travelers to visit specifically because of the change. The influx of visitors is boosting local businesses, especially in key tourism regions like the South Island, aligning with the government’s goal to support Kiwi businesses and regional growth.

Tags: Erica Stanford Louise Upston New Zealand Chinese visitors Pacific visitors NZeTA tourism South Island Immigration Minister

Government Lowers Auckland Housing Capacity Requirement to 1.6 Million Homes

18 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1090 views

The Government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce Auckland Council’s minimum housing capacity requirement under Plan Change 120 from over 2 million to 1.6 million homes, allowing more targeted growth around the city centre, rapid transit stations, and metropolitan centres. This change provides Auckland Council greater flexibility to respond to public feedback and focus development where infrastructure supports it, while still meeting national urban development policies. Additionally, the Government will investigate and potentially adjust planning controls in Auckland’s CBD to unlock further housing and business potential, ensuring growth aligns with economic and liveability goals.

Tags: Chris Bishop Auckland Council Resource Management Act Plan Change 120 Medium Density Residential Standards City Rail Link Auckland Unitary Plan National Policy Statement on Urban Development Eden Park New Zealand Government

Stuart Calman Appointed New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador for 2026

18 Feb 2026 | 6 months ago | 1045 views

Stuart Calman has been appointed as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador, bringing extensive experience in foreign policy, trade, and climate policy, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. His role will focus on supporting Australia’s chairmanship of the UN Climate COP31 negotiations in 2026 and advancing New Zealand’s economic, trade, and climate objectives. Calman, a senior diplomat with a background in energy and sustainable development, will begin his Wellington-based position on February 16, 2026, succeeding Stuart Horne.

Tags: Simon Watts Stuart Calman New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador Stuart Horne ASEAN Massey University Ngāti Toa Raukawa ki te Tonga Kāi Tahu