Articles tagged with Uri
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NZ Removes Royalties on Cushion Gas to Boost Underground Gas Storage and Energy Security
08 Sep 2026 | 14 hours ago | 74 viewsThe New Zealand Government will end the requirement for developers to pay royalties on "cushion gas," which is operational gas needed to maintain pressure in underground gas storage but unlikely to be extracted or sold. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers, encouraging investment in underground gas storage to improve the flexibility, resilience, and long-term energy security of the country’s energy system. An independent expert will determine the portion of gas qualifying as cushion gas, while future regulatory reviews will assess the effectiveness of this measure in supporting energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones Methanex New Zealand Resources Minister underground gas storage energy security petroleum regulatory framework cushion gas electricity generation gas royaltiesNew Zealand Extends NZDF Deployment Supporting Ukraine’s Defence Until 2028
08 Sep 2026 | 1 day ago | 69 viewsThe New Zealand Government has extended the deployment of up to 70 NZDF personnel to support Ukraine’s self-defence, primarily training Ukrainian forces in Poland and providing intelligence, liaison, and logistics support as part of Operation Tīeke. This initiative focuses on specialist training in areas like electronic warfare and drone operations, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to aiding Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression. The operation, emphasizing the broader security implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific, will continue until 30 June 2028 alongside diplomatic, humanitarian, and economic support efforts.
Tags: Winston Peters Paul Goldsmith New Zealand Defence Force Ukraine Russia Norway Operation Tīeke Poland European securityGovernment Invests $5M to Boost Regional Tourism and Attract Global Visitors to NZ
07 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 107 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $5 million to support six regional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international visitors during the quieter months of spring 2026 and early summer 2027. These campaigns target tourists from Australia, North America, and China, promoting regional food, wine, hospitality, and outdoor experiences to encourage longer stays and travel beyond main gateways. The funding is allocated to specific projects led by regional organizations to boost local economies and spread tourism benefits across the country.
Tags: Louise Upston RotoruaNZ Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Visit Hurunui WellingtonNZ ChristchurchNZ Destination Great Lake Taupo MBIE New Zealand TourismNew Zealand Invests $23.5M in Todd Energy Projects to Secure Gas Supply
06 Sep 2026 | 2 days ago | 85 viewsNew Zealand is advancing its energy security by investing up to $23.5 million from the Gas Security Fund in two Todd Energy projects aimed at unlocking nearly 20 petajoules of additional gas reserves over five to nine years. These projects, expected to deliver gas by 2027, will provide around 6% of the country's projected gas production, supporting energy reliability during peak demand and complementing the transition to renewable energy. The fund, designed to accelerate gas supply and ensure electricity generation reliability, has attracted strong interest and involves significant co-investment from Todd Energy to share risks and promote economic growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop Todd Energy New Zealand Gas Security Fund McKee Gas Cap Kānoa Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Gas Advisory PanelHistoric Treaty Settlement with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Passes Final Reading
03 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 171 viewsThe Crown has settled historic Treaty claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, addressing grievances related to Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district through legislation passed in Parliament. The settlement includes adding approximately 12,000 hectares to Te Urewera, returning cultural properties, and providing $24 million in financial and commercial redress. This agreement supports Ngāti Ruapani's aspirations for cultural revitalization, economic development, and strengthened stewardship of their ancestral lands.
Tags: Ngāti Ruapani Waikaremoana Treaty settlement Paul Goldsmith Te Urewera Crown Tūwai Te Tari Whakatau North Island uriNZ Tourism Minister Welcomes New Hospitality Report to Boost Sector Success
02 Sep 2026 | 6 days ago | 136 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomes a new industry report outlining 48 practical recommendations to support New Zealand's hospitality sector, acknowledging progress made since the 2024 Hospitality Summit. The Government has collaborated closely with the sector through various initiatives and will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate priority efforts across multiple agencies and portfolios. This plan aims to remove growth barriers, support businesses and workers, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy through ongoing partnership with industry stakeholders.
Tags: Louise Upston Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association of New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement Hospitality Summit Michelin Guide Hospitality Action Plan New Zealand Government Hospitality Regulatory Review Tourism and HospitalityTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Boost NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 149 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Trade Ministers Closer Economic Relations Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Strengthen NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 201 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Closer Economic Relations trade ministers Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentGovernment Invests $400K to Repair Hauraki Rail Trail After Storm Damage
01 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 144 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $400,000, building on a prior $300,000, to repair the Hauraki Rail Trail after severe storm damage, ensuring it remains a key tourism asset supporting local jobs and economic growth. Funded by the International Visitor Levy and the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund, with contributions from the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust, the repairs focus on damaged surfaces and structures, especially in the Karangahake Gorge. The trail attracts over 32,000 visitors annually, contributing about $12 million to the local economy, and its recovery is vital for sustaining regional tourism and associated businesses.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Ohinemuri River Karangahake Gorge New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund International Visitor Levy Ngā Haerenga Tourism Minister New Zealand Government Great RidesNew Zealand Welcomes 200,000 Cruise Passengers Boosting Tourism and Jobs
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 184 viewsNearly 200,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to visit New Zealand this season, boosting regional tourism, jobs, and businesses, according to Tourism Minister Louise Upston. The government has collaborated closely with the cruise sector to enhance New Zealand's appeal as a must-dock destination, implementing practical measures and hosting industry forums to strengthen its global cruise position. These efforts, alongside infrastructure developments and policy support, aim to build a sustainable cruise industry and contribute to doubling the value of international tourism by 2034.
Tags: Louise Upston Crown Princess Tourism Policy Statement Auckland Seatrade Cruise Forum New Zealand Bledisloe North Wharf City of Sails Tourism and Hospitality MinisterNew Social Security Bill Tightens Jobseeker Support and Housing Subsidies
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 203 viewsThe Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill, passed in Parliament, tightens eligibility for Jobseeker Support and adjusts the Accommodation Supplement to better target financial assistance. It requires 18- and 19-year-olds to meet the Parental Assistance Test before receiving benefits and increases the homeowner contribution threshold for housing subsidies from 30% to 40% of income. The legislation aims to reduce benefit dependency, encourage work, and ensures certain groups, like pension recipients, are exempt from the new Accommodation Supplement changes.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Security Jobseeker Support Accommodation Supplement Welfare System Budget 2025 Parental Assistance Test New Zealand Government Social Development Employment MinisterNew Zealand and Indonesia Strengthen Partnership with Focus on Trade and Cooperation
27 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 180 viewsNew Zealand and Indonesia's Foreign Ministers, Winston Peters and Sugiono, held productive talks in Auckland focusing on enhancing cooperation in food security, renewable energy, trade, agriculture, education, and defense. They reviewed their Comprehensive Partnership and 2025–2029 Plan of Action, aiming to boost two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by 2029 and strengthen economic ties by removing trade barriers and improving air links. Both ministers emphasized the long-term partnership as they approach 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028 and released a Joint Statement outlining their discussions and next steps.
Tags: Winston Peters Sugiono New Zealand Indonesia Foreign Ministers trade cooperation food security renewable energy diplomatic relationsTourism 2050 Strategy Unveiled to Boost New Zealand’s Future Tourism Growth
27 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 224 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Tourism 2050 strategy, highlighting its role in guiding the future of tourism amid upcoming challenges and opportunities. She emphasized the strategy’s alignment with the Government's Tourism Policy Statement, which aims for sustainable growth benefiting visitors, communities, and the economy. Upston expressed support for ongoing collaboration between the government, industry, and communities to ensure the tourism sector's long-term success through innovation and balanced development.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Industry Aotearoa Tourism 2050 Tourism Policy Statement New Zealand tourism strategy TIA tourism growth regional prosperity AI in tourism$9.7M Funding Boost to Protect NZ National Parks from Wild Goats and Deer
24 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 251 viewsA $9.7 million, four-year funding boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will support targeted wild goat and deer management to protect New Zealand’s national parks and native ecosystems. This investment enables ongoing control, monitoring, and eradication efforts across key conservation areas, including Whanganui, Waitōtara, Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, Westland Tai Poutini, and Fiordland National Parks. The programme aims to reduce browsing pressure, prevent reinvasion, and enhance long-term biodiversity outcomes by strengthening operational capabilities and building partnerships.
Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand wild goats deer management national parks conservation International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy DOC biodiversity ecosystem recoveryNew Zealand’s Food Safety Minister Leads APEC Efforts on Regional Food Security
23 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 266 viewsFood Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing New Zealand at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in China, which focuses on regional cooperation to address food security challenges and promote sustainable, resilient food systems. The forum brings together 21 member economies to share policies, enhance trade, and collaborate on innovation, climate resilience, and supply chain stability. New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to open trade and access to safe, nutritious food while engaging in bilateral meetings with business stakeholders during the visit.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting Asia Pacific food security sustainable agriculture economic cooperation trade