28 May 2026
5 months ago
948 views
The Budget 2026 allocates $1.773 billion to extend the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere, a critical freight and economic corridor connecting Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty. This 16-kilometre four-lane expressway aims to improve safety, reduce serious injuries by around 70%, enhance resilience, and support economic growth in one of New Zealand’s most important transport routes. Early works are underway following consents granted in September 2025, as part of the Government’s broader Roads of National Significance programme to boost infrastructure, jobs, and productivity nationwide.
27 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1371 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced initial government support for recovery efforts following severe weather, including temporary housing for around 500 displaced people and $1.2 million in immediate relief funds, with additional funding available from various agencies. The government is prioritizing infrastructure repairs, health and mental support, and reimbursing marae that provided community welfare, while Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized ongoing assessments and future support. Luxon also appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery to coordinate the response and advise on a potential independent inquiry into the Mount Maunganui tragedy.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1166 views
Watercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1581 views
Southland's space sector receives a significant boost through a loan of up to $2.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for Space Operations New Zealand Limited. The loan will support the expansion of the business at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Invercargill, leveraging Southland's strategic location for satellite operations. The project aims to create a regional space hub, accelerating essential works to meet current demand and future growth plans, ultimately enhancing the development of Southland's space industry.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2226 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced two new charter schools, Te Kāpehu Whetū – Tamaki and The Forest School, to open in Term 1 2026, joining the eight existing successful charter schools. Te Kāpehu Whetū – Tamaki in Auckland will offer boarding and dual-language education in Te reo Māori and English for students in years 11-13, focusing on cultural links and recognized qualifications. The Forest School in Warkworth will provide primary students with outdoor-focused learning experiences to engage and inspire children, with proven success in improving educational outcomes for underachieving students.
30 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2110 views
A new 110km/h speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will come into effect first thing tomorrow morning, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity, and with over 20,000 vehicles travelling this motorway every day, the new higher speed will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely,” Mr Bishop says. “Late last year, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) publicly consulted on increasing the speed limit from north of the Pūhoi interchange viaduct to south of the Warkworth roundabout to 110km/h.