05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
231 views
The Proceeds of Crime Fund, managed by the Ministry of Justice, is allocating $14.587 million seized from criminals to nine initiatives aimed at reducing violence, preventing reoffending, and disrupting the drug trade in New Zealand. These initiatives focus on early intervention for at-risk youth, victim support, violence prevention, and enhancing Customs' drug detection capabilities. The funding reflects the government's commitment to exceeding targets for reducing violent crime victims and ensuring criminal proceeds are used to protect communities.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
269 views
Enzed Energy has submitted a second application for a petroleum exploration permit targeting the Toutouwai prospect in the offshore Taranaki Basin, signaling growing confidence in New Zealand's energy sector following the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. The government has opened a competitive process for a 2400 sq km permit area, with applications due by January 18, 2027, and will assess candidates based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria. Natural gas remains vital for New Zealand's energy security and economic resilience, and renewed exploration efforts aim to unlock new resources and support growth.
14 Sep 2026
1 month ago
447 views
The New Zealand Government is providing up to $580,000 in one-off funding to support the Roderique Hope Trust and YMCA Taranaki in helping people experiencing homelessness in the Taranaki region secure stable housing. This funding will enable coordinated efforts through the Taranaki Housing Pathways Initiative, with Roderique Hope Trust leading community collaboration and YMCA Taranaki delivering targeted outreach to those sleeping rough. The investment is part of a broader $14.5 million national package aimed at expanding effective short-term homelessness initiatives.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
511 views
Work to replace the deck and beams of Symes Bridge on State Highway 39 between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia will begin on 11 October, with the bridge closing for up to two months and traffic detoured via SH3 through Te Awamutu. The upgrade will make the bridge stronger, over one metre wider, and more resilient, ensuring safety and reliability for this vital freight route between Taranaki and Auckland. NZ Transport Agency has contracted Oxcon to coordinate this work alongside the nearby Mangati Bridge replacement, minimizing overall disruption by completing both projects within the same period.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
433 views
The Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
17 Aug 2026
2 months ago
613 views
Construction has begun on a permanent two-lane replacement for the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39, with completion expected in early 2027. The new bridge, built higher and stronger by Oxcon, will improve resilience to flooding and extreme weather while maintaining traffic flow via a temporary bridge during construction. The $12.5 million project, funded by NZTA’s emergency works budget, aims to restore safe and reliable access on this vital route between Taranaki and Auckland.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
626 views
New Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
649 views
New Zealand has granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to add natural gas to the domestic market and generate valuable oil export earnings. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector amid declining gas reserves, with gas remaining critical for electricity generation and industrial use alongside renewable energy. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible resource development, combined with investment in renewables and emerging technologies, is essential for a resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
11 Aug 2026
2 months ago
578 views
The New Zealand Government is investing over $1 million to support conservation projects in Taranaki, focusing on restoring rare coastal habitats and protecting kōkako in the region’s northeast. Te Kāhui o Taranaki will receive funding to restore endangered coastal turf ecosystems, while the East Taranaki Environment Trust will expand predator control to safeguard native species across a large landscape. These initiatives, supported by Iwi, community groups, and volunteers, exemplify collaborative efforts funded through the DOC Community Fund to achieve lasting environmental gains.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
743 views
New Zealand has granted its first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since reversing the ban, awarding Australian company EnZed Energy a 12-year permit for a 546 sq km area east of the Kupe gas field in the Taranaki Basin. This move signals renewed investor confidence and aims to address declining natural gas reserves, which have dropped 23% to the lowest level in over two decades, emphasizing the importance of exploration for future energy security. The government highlights that natural gas remains crucial for electricity generation and industry, and exploration is essential to assess New Zealand’s remaining resource potential.
14 Jul 2026
3 months ago
783 views
Resources Minister Shane Jones has welcomed Sunda Energy's new petroleum exploration permit application in the offshore northern Taranaki Basin, marking the sixth such application since the government lifted the offshore oil and gas exploration ban. Sunda Energy, having entered the New Zealand market through acquiring Matahio Energy’s assets, seeks to conduct geological and seismic studies over a 645 sq km area with known potential, aiming to evaluate drilling targets. The competitive application process, open until October 14, 2026, reflects growing investor interest that could enhance New Zealand’s energy security, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.
08 Jul 2026
3 months ago
766 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that Oxcon has been awarded a $12.5 million contract by NZTA to build a two-lane replacement for the Mangati Bridge on SH39, damaged by flooding. Construction will begin before the end of the month, with the new, higher, and stronger bridge expected to open by early 2027, improving resilience and maintaining traffic flow via a temporary bridge. The project prioritizes restoring this vital western Waikato route and is funded through NZTA’s emergency works budget.
08 Jul 2026
3 months ago
797 views
New Zealand has received its fifth petroleum permit application since lifting the exploration ban, with Taranaki Energy Pty Ltd applying to prospect in deepwater offshore Taranaki, an underexplored but highly prospective area. The proposed two-year work program involves seismic data reprocessing, basin modeling, and target identification to guide future investments, reflecting renewed momentum and growing confidence in the sector. The government’s open market regime allows continuous competitive applications, which will be assessed based on technical, financial, and compliance criteria to support energy security and economic resilience.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
875 views
The New East Wing of Taranaki Base Hospital has officially opened, marking a major milestone in the $462.6 million redevelopment to modernize healthcare services in the region. This new facility significantly expands capacity by 57%, integrating emergency, intensive care, maternity, diagnostics, and an Acute Assessment Unit to improve patient flow and treatment speed. The redevelopment also includes enhanced infrastructure like a rooftop helipad and an Integrated Operations Centre, ensuring better coordination and future-proofing healthcare delivery for Taranaki residents.
11 Jun 2026
4 months ago
971 views
The University of Waikato's new medical school, starting in 2028, will train 120 graduate-entry students annually, with clinical placements across five regional areas to encourage doctors to practice in underserved communities. A nationwide distributed clinical placement network is being established to coordinate training across New Zealand’s three medical schools, including new Community Clinical Learning Centres in smaller towns to support rural healthcare workforce growth. This initiative aims to build a stronger, regionally connected health workforce by embedding students in their home regions, addressing long-term shortages in primary care and rural health services.