Articles tagged with Uri
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New Appointments to New Zealand Health Research Council Board Announced
30 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 730 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has appointed Dr Margaret Whilsher, Dr Colin McArthur, and Paul Foster-Bell to the Health Research Council (HRC) Board for three-year terms, while reappointing Professor Lester Levy as Chair and Jeroen Douwes as Deputy Chair. The HRC is responsible for managing government investment in health research, advising on policy, administering funds, and promoting research findings. These appointments aim to ensure a strong, stable Board to provide effective governance amid significant science sector reforms.
Tags: Simeon Brown Margaret Whilsher Colin McArthur Lester Levy Jeroen Douwes Cameron Grant Brett Cowan James MacLaurin Frances HughesNew Zealand Tests Foot and Mouth Disease Readiness with Farm Simulations
29 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 826 viewsNew Zealand will test its foot and mouth disease readiness through upcoming simulations, including Exercise Farm Gate in May and Exercise Cloven Shield in July, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries. These exercises aim to rehearse responses from on-farm detection to national governance, strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the economy and communities. The government emphasizes the importance of preparedness given the potentially massive economic impact of an outbreak, estimated at up to $14.3 billion annually without action.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Exercise Farm Gate Exercise Cloven Shield Taranaki foot and mouth disease Government Industry Agreement2026 Minister for Manufacturing Awards Finalists Celebrate NZ Industry Innovation
28 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 743 viewsMinister Cameron Brewer announced the finalists for the 2026 Minister for Manufacturing Awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector that employs 250,000 people and contributes significantly to the economy and exports. The awards introduce three new categories, including one for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, reflecting the sector’s diversity and importance. The government is committed to supporting manufacturers through skills development and technology adoption, with winners to be announced at the EMEX 2026 event in Auckland.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Minister for Manufacturing New Zealand Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa EMEX 2026 Minister of Small Business Manufacturing Awards Auckland Showgrounds New Zealand Manufacturing Manufacturing IndustryNew Zealand Reviews Ruminant Protein Rules to Protect $4.9B Beef Export
27 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 692 viewsNew Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity ruminant protein regulations BSE mad cow disease beef export World Organisation for Animal Health prion diseases cattleGovernment Invests $800K to Repair NZ Great Ride Cycle Trails After Storms
25 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 854 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing over $800,000 to repair storm damage on three Great Ride cycle trails and provide marketing funds to support regional tourism recovery. Significant repairs include $300,000 for the Hauraki Rail Trail, $110,000 for the Waikato River Trail, and nearly $427,000 for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which contributes $34 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, targeted marketing funding aims to rebuild visitor confidence following severe weather events, reinforcing the partnership between central and local governments and supporting ongoing tourism and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Waikato River Trail Tasman’s Great Taste Trail Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Government Tourism and Hospitality Bay of Plenty Coromandel New Zealand Cycle TrailsNew Zealand’s Action for Nature Plan Drives Biodiversity Restoration and Economic Growth
22 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 809 viewsNew Zealand's new implementation plan, "Action for Nature," aims to restore biodiversity by focusing on smarter investment, stronger partnerships, and improved information use to guide conservation efforts. The plan prioritizes coordinated action, increasing revenue from public conservation lands, enhancing evidence-based decision-making, and empowering communities to address biosecurity risks. These efforts support native species recovery, bolster regional economies reliant on healthy environments, and reinforce the Predator Free 2050 initiative.
Tags: New Zealand Tama Potaka biodiversity Conservation Minister Action for Nature Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa Predator Free 2050 indigenous species biosecurityNew Regulatory Standards Board Appointed to Enhance Oversight and Accountability in NZ
20 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 756 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour announces the establishment of the Regulatory Standards Board under the Regulatory Standards Act 2025, which will oversee and advise on regulation quality, ensuring laws meet principles of necessity, proportionality, transparency, and rule of law. The Board, chaired by Paul Ridley-Smith and comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, will assess new and existing regulations, review Consistency Accountability Statements, and invite public complaints to promote accountability and clarity on regulatory costs. The Board will commence operations on 1 July 2026, enhancing regulatory oversight and public engagement in New Zealand’s legislative process.
Tags: David Seymour Ian Chamberlain Julie Hardaker Ananish Chaudhuri Carl Hansen Nicola Swain Regulatory Standards Board Regulatory Standard Act 2025 Ministry for RegulationNew Zealand Tourism Surges with Record International Visitors in 2026
14 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 1096 viewsNew Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with strong growth from China during Chinese New Year and a total of over 408,000 visitors in February 2026, marking significant recovery towards pre-COVID levels. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights that increased arrivals, including 1.54 million from Australia and a 214% rise in Chinese visitors due to eased travel requirements, support economic growth, jobs, and communities nationwide. The government’s ongoing support through promotional funding and partnerships aims to sustain this positive trend despite challenges like the fuel crisis.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand China Australia Stats NZ NZeTA Tourism Hospitality Government COVIDNew Zealand Cruise Forum 2026: Strengthening the Cruise Industry and Visitor Experience
10 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 836 viewsThe second joint Government and industry Cruise Forum will be held to strengthen New Zealand’s position as a leading cruise destination by addressing challenges and fostering collaboration. The cruise sector significantly contributes $1.37 billion to the economy but faces volatility from global trends, prompting efforts in regulatory coordination, biofouling management, and port infrastructure investment. Additionally, Tourism Minister Louise Upston will promote New Zealand at the Seatrade Cruise Global event to enhance international engagement and showcase the country’s hospitality.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Cruise Forum Seatrade Cruise Global Wellington Government cruise sector industry representatives MiamiNew $128.5M Spinal Rehab Centre at Manukau Health Park to Boost Care
08 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 978 viewsA new 30-bed specialised spinal rehabilitation centre will be built at Manukau Health Park, replacing the outdated 20-bed Ōtara Spinal Unit and expanding rehabilitation capacity to improve patient care and ease pressure on Middlemore Hospital. This $128.5 million investment includes refurbishing Middlemore Hospital’s adult rehabilitation ward, resulting in a total of 58 rehabilitation beds to meet rising demand through 2040. The modern facility will feature enhanced therapy spaces, integrated clinical services, and improved patient access, reflecting a patient-centred design aligned with the new Model of Rehabilitation.
Tags: Simeon Brown Manukau Health Park Ōtara Spinal Unit Middlemore Hospital Health New Zealand National Remediation Programme Manukau Surgery Centre spinal cord injuries rehabilitation centre acute servicesTukituki Water Security Project Begins Pre-Construction in Hawkes Bay with $18M Loan
07 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 982 viewsThe Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawkes Bay will begin pre-construction work supported by an $18.13 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to enhance water storage and security. The project aims to enable irrigation of up to 22,000 hectares, create 300 construction jobs, and boost the region’s annual GDP by up to $693 million by supporting horticulture, seed production, and pastoral farming. By storing 104 million cubic meters of water, the facility will address water scarcity in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, promoting long-term economic growth and resilience.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tukituki Water Security Project Hawkes Bay Regional Infrastructure Fund water storage irrigation economic development food production water security Tukituki Water Limited PartnershipGovernment Report Shows Positive Impact on Youth Offending and School Attendance
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 917 viewsThe Government’s 2024/25 Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy highlights positive progress in reducing youth offending, child abuse, and food insecurity, while improving school attendance and parental support. Despite these gains, challenges persist with 14.3% of children experiencing material hardship and an increase in households receiving main benefits amid tough economic conditions. The Government remains committed to practical, evidence-based solutions through coordinated programs targeting education, health, housing, and welfare to further improve outcomes for children and young people.
Tags: Louise Upston Child Poverty Reduction Minister New Zealand Government Child and Youth Strategy Ministry of Social Development Kahu Taurima Healthy School Lunches Early Childhood Education Food Food Secure Communities Attendance Action PlanNew Zealand and Cook Islands Sign Historic Defence & Security Declaration
01 Apr 2026 | 5 months ago | 834 viewsNew Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a Defence & Security Declaration to clarify and strengthen their special constitutional relationship, particularly regarding defence and security responsibilities amid a complex strategic environment. The Declaration resolves previous misunderstandings, restores New Zealand’s financial support to the Cook Islands, and establishes mutual commitments including consultation on defence matters, New Zealand’s role as the primary security partner, and cooperation on foreign policy within constitutional limits. Both nations have agreed not to engage with other partners in ways that would undermine these commitments, aiming to enhance their partnership and address shared challenges together.
Tags: New Zealand Cook Islands Winston Peters Norman Kirk Albert Henry Prime Minister Brown Defence & Security Declaration free association New Zealand Defence Force Letters PatentNew NZ Customs Levy Regime Starts Today: Fairer Fees for Importers and Exporters
31 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 832 viewsA new levy regime effective today aims to make New Zealand’s goods management system fairer by shifting border clearance costs from taxpayers to importers and exporters, particularly addressing the surge in low-value online imports. The changes introduce differentiated charges based on consignment type and value, end subsidies for low-value goods and commercial vessels, and include fees for international transshipments and empty containers. These reforms, developed with industry consultation, are expected to recover NZ$71 million over four years, supporting Customs and MPI in safeguarding trade, biosecurity, and community safety.
Tags: Casey Costello Andrew Hoggard Customs Biosecurity New Zealand goods levy MPI border management online importsOriental Fruit Fly Controls Lifted in Papatoetoe After Successful Eradication
29 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 755 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the lifting of Oriental fruit fly controls in Papatoetoe following a swift response and no further detections since early March. The rigorous biosecurity system, including pre-arrival fruit treatment, border checks, and surveillance trapping, along with community cooperation, was crucial in preventing a damaging infestation. Although the response concludes, the national fruit fly surveillance programme with nearly 8,000 traps remains active to protect New Zealand’s horticultural sector.
Tags: Oriental fruit fly Papatoetoe Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Biosecurity New Zealand fruit fly detection fruit fly eradication horticultural sector fruit fly surveillance New Zealand