19 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1169 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to reflect on the international rules-based system and advocate for reforms to address global challenges. He will participate in the Two State Solution conference, hold bilateral meetings, and deliver New Zealand’s national statement to the UN General Assembly. Peters will also gather information on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, South Sudan, and Myanmar, including finalizing New Zealand’s position on the recognition of Palestine during his visit from September 21 to September 30.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1270 views
The new Third Main Line in Auckland, funded in 2020 with a $328 million investment, is set to revolutionize rail freight and increase the frequency of passenger trains, according to Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The opening event in South Auckland included a passenger train journey along the 6.5km line from Wiri to Middlemore Station. This project aims to alleviate congestion on roads, boost efficiency in freight connections, and enhance transport options for Aucklanders, complementing other recent investments in the city's transport network.
17 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1362 views
The 2024/25-2026/27 Rail Network Investment Programme, led by Rail Minister Winston Peters, allocates $1.360 billion over three years for infrastructure projects benefiting provincial New Zealand. The focus is on rebuilding railways to enhance economic efficiency and connectivity, with detailed regional summaries outlining extensive track maintenance and upgrades across the country. The investment includes new train control centers, wagons, locomotives, and ferries, emphasizing the importance of ongoing infrastructure maintenance and renewal to support a thriving rail network.
12 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1330 views
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Peeni Henare will attend Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby next week, marking a significant milestone in the two countries' relationship. New Zealand has been a longstanding supporter of Papua New Guinea since its independence in 1975, and values the close ties between the two nations. The visit aims to strengthen collaboration and support for Papua New Guinea's priorities, contributing to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Pacific region.
12 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1329 views
New Zealand has joined Canada, the EU, and the UK in lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil to USD $47.60 per barrel to cut off funding for Putin's war in Ukraine. Additionally, New Zealand has sanctioned Russian actors involved in cyber-attacks, including military intelligence Unit 29155, for using malware against Ukrainian government networks. These sanctions mark New Zealand's 32nd round, targeting individuals, entities, vessels, and shadow fleet vessels involved in chemical weapons, disinformation, and illicit activities in North Korea and Iran.
03 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1384 views
Ferry Holdings has secured a preferred shipbuilder for two new ferries to serve passengers, road, and rail for the next 30 years, with a fixed price and completion in 2029. Rail Minister Winston Peters praised the swift procurement process and highlighted the importance of the letter of intent signed for technical negotiations. The new ferries will have specific dimensions, capacities, power, and safety features to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly transportation across the Cook Strait for the next three decades.
28 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1396 views
Rail 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.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1684 views
Seahawk 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.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1771 views
Cabinet in New Zealand has officially agreed to close the greyhound racing industry, with a bill being drafted to enact this decision by July 31, 2026, following concerns about animal welfare and safety issues outlined in multiple reviews. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has recommended a clear plan for transitioning away from greyhound racing, including re-homing programs and support for industry participants through a Transition Agency funded by the TAB. Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of public input during the process, highlighting the global trend of phasing out greyhound racing due to ongoing welfare and safety concerns.
19 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1593 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments: Joanna Kempkers as Ambassador to France, Greg Andrews as High Commissioner to Fiji, and Angela Hassan-Sharp as Ambassador to Ireland. Peters made the appointments to strengthen diplomatic relations with these countries. The new ambassadors will represent New Zealand's interests and foster positive relationships in their respective postings.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1535 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed New Zealand's dedication to Pacific regionalism at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji. He stressed the importance of the region standing united and setting its own agenda amidst external pressures. Peters welcomed the report on Pacific regional architecture and offered New Zealand as a host for the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting, emphasizing the need for effective regional collaboration to address urgent challenges.
13 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1840 views
Chris Seed has been appointed as New Zealand's next Ambassador to the United States, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Seed, a highly experienced diplomat who previously served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is seen as well-suited for the role. He will succeed Rosemary Banks, who is completing her second term and is praised for her distinguished diplomatic career and contributions to the critical bilateral relationship with the US.
12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1581 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji to discuss key regional issues with counterparts, emphasizing the importance of Pacific unity in addressing shared challenges. New Zealand views its membership in the Pacific Islands Forum as crucial for developing Pacific-owned solutions and maintaining diplomatic relationships within the region. The meeting in Fiji will pave the way for further discussions among Forum Leaders in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in September, with Mr Peters departing on August 13 and returning on August 14.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1822 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand will carefully consider recognizing a state of Palestine in September, taking into account the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and New Zealand's support for a two-state solution. New Zealand's independent foreign policy will guide its decision, weighing factors such as the viability of a Palestinian state and progress towards peace. A formal decision on recognition will be made by Cabinet in September, following a thorough assessment of various perspectives and considerations.
05 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2565 views
Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones highlight significant developments in Northland's economic future, including Marsden Point's role as an energy and economic powerhouse. Projects such as a refurbished tank for supplying jet fuel to Auckland Airport and a commercial dry dock aim to boost job creation and international trade. Plans for a Regional Infrastructure Fund part-funded drydock at Northport and the potential use of special economic zones to attract investment demonstrate a focus on enhancing New Zealand's economic growth and resilience.