Articles tagged with Us
Showing 15 of 725 articles
New Legislation Enhances Defence Force Workforce Management for National Security
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1097 viewsNew legislation introduced by Defence Minister Judith Collins allows the Chief of Defence Force to redeploy uniformed personnel to fill roles of striking civilian staff, ensuring national security during industrial action. The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill expands the Minister's authority to include instances where national security and core defence functions are at risk, such as security at military bases and aircraft maintenance. The bill aims to address challenges faced during previous industrial actions and will be open for public submissions when referred to a select committee in September 2025.
Tags: Chief of Defence Force CDF workforce national security industrial action Defence Minister Judith Collins Defence Act New Zealand Defence Force civilian staffLandmark Agreement Enhances NZ Poultry Industry Biosecurity
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1327 viewsThe Government and poultry industry have reached a significant agreement to jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The agreement involves cost-sharing arrangements, with industry contributing to readiness and response costs, and industry bodies being recognized as decision-makers alongside the Government. The focus is on ensuring a unified response to diseases like H5N1 to protect the industry, domestic food supply, and international trade, with the agreement set to take effect on 1 September 2025.
Tags: Government poultry industry landmark deal exotic poultry diseases high pathogenicity avian influenza Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard Egg Producers Federation Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand H5N1 strain Michael BrooksRestoring History: Mataura Railway Station Transfer Ceremony
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1273 viewsDignitaries, including Mayor Ben Bell and Minister Mark Patterson, gathered at Mataura Railway Station for its ownership transfer to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. The historic station, designed by Sir George Troup, holds significance in New Zealand's rail heritage and industrial development. KiwiRail's increased funding commitment will aid in the restoration of the station, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage for community identity and future generations.
Tags: Mayor Ben Bell Honourable Mark Patterson Vanessa Oakley Duncan Roy Dr Murray King Sir Julius Vogel Sir George Troup Sue Tindal KiwiRail Rail Heritage Trust of New ZealandNew Zealand Rail Heritage Trust Receives Boost for Restoration Efforts
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1195 viewsRail Minister Winston Peters announced an increased annual contribution to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand for restoring rail heritage buildings and structures. The Trust has restored various railway sites, including the Cass railway station, and aims to support more with local financial and volunteer help. KiwiRail is also repairing the historic rail footbridge at Moana and considering transferring ownership of the Mataura Railway Station to the Trust for restoration.
Tags: Rail Heritage Trust New Zealand annual contribution restoration efforts Rail Minister Winston Peters industrial heritage volunteer power engineering pride KiwiRail Sue TindalChallenging the Status Quo: The Impact of Regulatory Growth on Society
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1192 viewsThe speaker expresses skepticism towards the theme of the conference, "Regulation 2025 to 2050: Disruption, Change, and Continuity," highlighting the negative impact of regulatory growth on resources, project viability, and culture. They discuss the need for regulatory reform in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing affordability and productivity challenges. The speaker advocates for greater public scrutiny of regulatory initiatives to ensure cost-effective benefits and urges a shift towards more efficient and transparent regulatory practices.
Tags: Regulation Change Continuity Public Choice Economics Housing Democracy Regulatory Failure Productivity Paradox Public Choice OriginsNew Zealand Introduces Business Investor Visa to Boost Economy
26 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1223 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is modernizing visa settings to attract experienced businesspeople through the new Business Investor Visa, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment options: a $1 million investment with a three-year work-to-residence pathway and a $2 million investment with a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway. This initiative replaces the Entrepreneur Category, aims to deliver real economic benefits, and is part of a broader refresh of business visa settings to support the country's economy.
Tags: Government modernising visa settings businesspeople New Zealand Business Investor Visa Erica Stanford investment Immigration New Zealand economic benefitsForestry Industry Launches Approved Code of Practice for Workplace Safety
26 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1263 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched the Approved Code of Practice for Forestry and Harvesting Operations to improve health and safety compliance in the forestry industry. The ACOPs are sector-specific guidelines developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to reduce deaths and serious injuries in forestry operations. This initiative is part of broader health and safety reforms aiming to provide clear and practical guidelines for high-risk sectors, with plans to extend ACOPs to other industries like agriculture and construction.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations Safety Minister ACOP Forestry WorkSafe Health and Safety New Zealand Industry RegulationsEnergy Minister Simon Watts Joins APEC Leaders in Busan for Energy Security Discussions
25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1253 viewsEnergy Minister Simon Watts will attend the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, focusing on energy security and affordability. He aims to collaborate internationally to build resilient and sustainable energy systems in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss harnessing energy innovation. Key topics at the meeting include electricity expansion, grid security, reliability, and AI-driven energy innovation, with a focus on connecting with counterparts to advance shared energy goals.
Tags: Simon Watts Energy Minister Busan Republic of Korea APEC Energy security International collaboration Sustainable energy systems Energy innovation New ZealandInfrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Heads to Sydney and Canberra for Engagements with Industry Leaders and Australian Politicians
25 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 997 viewsMinister Chris Bishop will travel to Sydney and Canberra for engagements with the infrastructure industry and Australian political leaders, emphasizing New Zealand's openness for business and the importance of attracting investment for economic growth and job creation. In Sydney, he will address the IPWEA International Public Works Conference about New Zealand's infrastructure priorities and the National Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, he will discuss housing reforms with New South Wales officials and meet with federal counterparts in Canberra, including key ministers such as Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King and Housing Minister Clare O'Neil.
Tags: Infrastructure RMA Reform Housing Transport Minister Chris Bishop Sydney Canberra Australia New Zealand InvestmentNew Capital Settings Proposals Aim to Boost Competition in New Zealand Banking Sector
24 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1401 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis supports the Reserve Bank's consultation on reviewing capital settings for banks and deposit takers to address concerns about impacts on competition, lending costs, and economic growth. The Minister's Financial Policy Remit emphasized the need to balance financial stability with competition, prompting the Bank to consider changes like aligning capital requirements with risk and adjusting overall capital ratio requirements to lower lending rates. The proposed changes aim to benefit smaller players in the market, reduce barriers for new entrants, and create a more competitive environment in the New Zealand banking sector.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis consultation Reserve Bank capital settings banking industry lending New Zealanders competition efficiencyMinister McClay Addresses US Tariffs: Impact on Kiwi Exporters & Strategies for Strengthening Trade
22 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1340 viewsMinister Todd McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Washington to address New Zealand's concerns about US tariffs disadvantaging Kiwi exporters compared to other countries. Ambassador Greer acknowledged New Zealand's low tariffs on US goods and explained the recent 5 per cent tariff increase in relation to trade surplus, setting a new minimum tariff rate of 15 per cent for surplus countries. Discussions also included product-specific trade investigations and plans for trade officials to meet to assess tariff impacts and enhance exporter certainty, with future meetings scheduled during ASEAN Trade Ministers' Meeting and APEC Leaders' Summit to strengthen trade relations and combat harmful trade practices affecting dairy industries in both countries.
Tags: Agriculture Trade Investment Minister Todd McClay US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins New Zealand tariffs Kiwi exporters steel aluminiumGovernment Expands Community Magistrates' Role to Streamline District Court Process
21 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1382 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Justice and Courts Minister Nicole McKee, plans to expand the jurisdiction of Community Magistrates in the District Court to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. This expansion will enable Community Magistrates to handle guilty pleas for most offenses, manage a broader range of cases, and issue community-based sentences. The initiative aims to streamline court processes, alleviate pressure on judges, and provide faster justice outcomes for victims, with budget support for additional Community Magistrates and training oversight.
Tags: Government Community Magistrates Justice System District Court Nicole McKee Legislation Judges Court Proceedings Victims Budget 2025New Zealand Defence Force Announces $2.7 Billion Investment in Seahawk Helicopters and Airbus Planes
21 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1501 viewsSeahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, with a $2.7 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. The MH-60R Seahawk will replace maritime helicopters, while the Airbus A321XLR will replace the aging 757 fleet, aiming to enhance combat capability and respond to international events. These investments are part of the $12 billion planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP, reflecting the Government's response to the deteriorating security environment and the need for reliable aircraft for military operations and humanitarian aid.
Tags: Seahawk helicopters Airbus planes New Zealand Defence Force Defence Capability Plan Judith Collins Winston Peters Airbus A321XLR maritime helicopters Anzac forceMinister Brooke van Velden Appoints New Members to Employment Relations Authority for Balanced Expertise
20 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1501 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed four new members to the Employment Relations Authority [ERA] and reappointed two Members to ensure a better balance of public and private sector experience among ERA members. The new members, Simon Greening, William Fussey, Alyn Higgins, and Robert Davis, bring valuable legal expertise and experience to the ERA. These appointments aim to shift the mix of experience towards 60% private and 52% public, reflecting the employment landscape in New Zealand. Additionally, policy changes in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill are underway to address issues such as poor employee behavior and clarify employment arrangements.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Simon Greening William Fussey Alyn Higgins Robert Davis Employment Relations Authority ERA Employment Relations Amendment Bill workplace relations employment lawHow Falling Interest Rates Benefit Growth, Businesses, Jobs, and Kiwis: Finance Minister's Insights
20 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1288 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis highlights the benefits of falling interest rates, including support for growth, businesses, job creation, and mortgage holders. The Reserve Bank has reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 3.25 to 3 percent, with further decreases expected. Lower interest rates stimulate economic activity, reduce mortgage repayments, and are seen as a positive response to economic challenges, signaling improving conditions and effective economic management by the government.
Tags: interest rates growth businesses jobs Kiwis mortgages Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate