28 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1259 views
The Government is deploying motorhomes through the Temporary Accommodation Service to provide immediate housing for people displaced by severe weather in regions including Northland, East Coast, and Bay of Plenty. Agencies are collaborating with local councils, Iwi, and community groups to ensure affected individuals can access accommodation and support, with registration encouraged for those needing temporary housing. Additionally, the Government has allocated funding to support relief efforts, including Mayoral Relief Funds and reimbursements to marae providing welfare services.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1271 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.
26 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1335 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.
23 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1496 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.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1338 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.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1431 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.
19 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1546 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.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1396 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.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1670 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.
15 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1649 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.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1091 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.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1087 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.
04 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1085 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.
21 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1084 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.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1161 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.