Articles tagged with State

Showing 15 of 131 articles

State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway Construction Begins: Enhancing Region's Connectivity for Future Growth

12 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 1320 views

Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing resilience and productivity in the region and creating job opportunities. The project includes various upgrades such as four-laning sections, new overpasses, and a bridge, with completion expected by December 2029. The Expressway serves as a vital link connecting Napier and Hastings, facilitating the movement of people and freight, and is crucial for accommodating the region's anticipated growth.

Tags: Construction State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway Transport Minister Chris Bishop Roads of National Significance Waikare Gorge Hawke’s Bay region Napier Port Meeanee Road Kennedy Road

Christchurch City Council Achieves Housing Growth Target, Withdraws Plan Change 14: Minister

10 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 919 views

The Christchurch City Council has achieved its Housing Growth Target, allowing it to withdraw part of Plan Change 14, which aimed to update planning rules to facilitate more housing. The Council demonstrated sufficient feasible housing capacity for at least 30 years, exceeding statutory requirements. Ministerial decisions are pending on heritage sites and a special character area, with a focus on removing planning barriers to increase housing supply in the fast-growing city of Christchurch.

Tags: Christchurch City Council Housing Growth Target Plan Change 14 RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop Medium Density Residential Standards National Policy Statement on Urban Development Urbanomics Sense Partners Te Kaha stadium

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Wraps Up Official Visit to Malaysia & Korea, Strengthens Trade Partnerships

01 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 975 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand's trade and economic interests. During his trip, he attended the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, held bilateral discussions with key partners like the United States and Indonesia, and emphasized the importance of New Zealand's participation in regional forums for economic growth. The visits resulted in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN, aiming to boost New Zealand's trade opportunities and profile in these regions.

Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Malaysia Republic of Korea APEC Leaders’ Meeting United States Indonesia New Zealand East Asia Summit

Prime Minister Luxon Strengthens Economic Ties in Malaysia and Korea

01 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 991 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon completed his official visits to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, focusing on advancing New Zealand’s trade and economic interests. During the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, the regional economic situation was a key discussion point, highlighting the importance of engaging with APEC's 21 economies. Luxon emphasized the significance of participating in international forums like APEC and the East Asia Summit to advocate for New Zealand’s interests, culminating in the launch of strategic partnerships with Korea and ASEAN to enhance trade opportunities for New Zealand.

Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Malaysia Republic of Korea APEC Leaders’ Meeting United States Indonesia New Zealand East Asia Summit

Government Approves Auckland Council's Streamlined Planning Process for Housing Plan Change 120, Empowering Locals for Future Growth

29 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1144 views

The Government has confirmed the Streamlined Planning Process for Auckland Council's new housing plan, Plan Change 120 (PC120), as requested by the Council. This process allows for the withdrawal of the controversial Plan Change 78 (PC78) and aims to deliver the same housing capacity while enabling greater building heights and density around key stations. The 20-month PC120 process includes public submissions, hearings overseen by a panel, and a focus on ensuring local voices are central to decisions on Auckland's growth.

Tags: Government Streamlined Planning Process Auckland Council Plan Change 120 RMA Reform Chris Bishop Medium Density Residential Standards City Rail Link New Zealand Gazette National Policy Statement

Strengthening Nordic-New Zealand Partnerships: Shared Values and Future Collaborations

28 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1158 views

The speech delivered to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs on October 28, 2025, highlighted the historical and current ties between New Zealand and the Nordic countries, emphasizing shared values and experiences dating back to the 18th century. The discussion focused on the strength of partnerships, shared challenges in a complex world, and the need for collaboration on international law, resilience-building, and innovation to address global issues. The importance of unity, cooperation, and principled values-based partnerships in shaping a positive global order was underscored, emphasizing the potential for small and medium nations to influence world affairs through collective action.

Tags: State Secretary Hartelius Tobias Billstrom Ambassadors Daniel Solander Hermann Sporring Ditlev Monrad Helen Lahtinen Jon Johansson Captain Cook Te Papa

Minister Scott Simpson Strengthens Trans-Tasman Partnerships in Canberra and Sydney

27 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 861 views

Minister Scott Simpson is traveling to Canberra and Sydney to enhance New Zealand's partnerships with Australia, focusing on regulatory approaches, financial competition, and consumer protection. In Canberra, he will meet with Australian government officials to deepen cooperation and explore ways to promote fairer markets and economic growth. The Minister's agenda also includes engagements with the National Anti-Scam Centre, the Australian Banking Association, and Google to advance anti-scam initiatives and strengthen consumer protections in digital environments.

Tags: Scott Simpson Minister of Commerce Consumer Affairs Canberra Sydney New Zealand Australia Federal Government State Government ACC

Canterbury Region Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Weather

22 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1135 views

Minister Mark Mitchell has declared a state of local emergency for Canterbury due to severe weather, as the mayors have not been sworn in after recent elections. The declaration grants local Civil Defence emergency powers to respond effectively. Mitchell urges residents to heed advice from local authorities, prioritize safety, and stay informed through official channels like MetService.

Tags: Minister Mark Mitchell Emergency Management Recovery Canterbury Region State of Emergency Civil Defence Weather Event National Emergency Management Agency MetService Local Government

New Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences

22 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1123 views

Minister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.

Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.

New Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill Advances: Key Features and Future Considerations

21 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 992 views

The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its first reading, focusing on recognizing abuse in care experiences and providing redress through financial payments, apologies, access to care records, and counseling services. The Bill introduces a framework for independent consideration of financial redress for survivors who have committed serious offenses, aiming to prevent the scheme from being brought into disrepute. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee for further review, encouraging input from survivors, advocates, and other stakeholders.

Tags: Erica Stanford Redress System Abuse in Care Bill State redress scheme Financial payment Apology Care records Counselling Wellbeing services Independent decision maker

New Sisters United Academy Charter School Empowering Pasifika Girls for Success in 2026

20 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1221 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced the opening of Sisters United Academy in Term 1 2026 as a charter school, focusing on personalized education for Pasifika girls. The school will offer tailored curriculum, including traditional activities and Pasifika languages, with a mix of learning opportunities such as internships and overseas study. Charter schools aim to provide innovative, community-driven educational approaches with a focus on flexibility, accountability, and student success.

Tags: David Seymour Sisters United Academy Pasifika girls charter school education students learning tools community ideas charter schools state schools

Rolleston Access Improvements Driving Jobs & Growth | Canterbury Transport Project

14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1140 views

Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Tags: Rolleston Transport Minister Chris Bishop Canterbury infrastructure projects road improvements economic growth construction NZTA Fulton Hogan State Highway 1.

Government Financial Progress: 2024/25 Statements Reflect Fiscal Discipline and Investment Boost

09 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 987 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the 2024/25 government financial statements, showcasing progress in restoring fiscal discipline. Key points include a decrease in core Crown expenses, steady net core Crown debt, and a better-than-forecast deficit in the operating balance. The Government's focus on savings has allowed for increased investment in key sectors while maintaining tax relief, with future plans to further reduce government spending as part of ongoing fiscal discipline efforts.

Tags: Government Financial Statements Nicola Willis GDP Crown Expenses Debt OBEGALx Fiscal Discipline Budget.

Advancing New Zealand's Wood Processing Sector: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

07 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1079 views

The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to address the audience and acknowledges the leadership and commitment within New Zealand's wood processing sector. They highlight the importance of the sector to the national economy, emphasizing its role in regional prosperity and job creation. The speaker discusses challenges facing the industry, opportunities for growth through export value doubling objectives, government support initiatives such as the Wood Processing Growth Fund, and efforts to address barriers like energy costs and trade tariffs while reaffirming support for the sector's growth and excellence.

Tags: Mark Ross Don Hammond New Zealand Rotorua Gisborne Government Viet Nam India Australia United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer

New Zealand Government's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict

07 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1056 views

Two years ago, Hamas carried out terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens, leading to a devastating massacre. New Zealand has condemned the violence and called for a negotiated ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the unimpeded flow of aid. While some push for Palestinian statehood recognition, the focus remains on achieving peace and providing aid to those affected by the conflict.

Tags: Mr Speaker Hamas Israeli citizens New Zealanders Israel Palestinian civilians United Nations United States Muslim countries Saudi Arabia