13 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1317 views
Customs and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello will attend the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna to address the growing issue of fraud, which is a prevalent crime in New Zealand linked to international organized crime and money laundering. The summit, hosted by INTERPOL and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat transnational fraud. After the summit, Minister Costello will visit Geneva and London for meetings related to her Customs, Police, and Health responsibilities.
13 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1119 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn to New Zealand, marking the first high-level Cambodian visit since 2019 and highlighting the strengthening bilateral relationship. They discussed collaboration on development, regional security, and shared commitment to a rules-based international system, with Peters announcing NZ$7.5 million in additional support for mine clearance and victim assistance in Cambodia. This visit follows New Zealand’s recent trip to Cambodia, underscoring mutual dedication to deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1175 views
A ban on gathering marine life from rockpools and coastal waters in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland has come into effect to preserve ecological areas and ensure fishery sustainability. Fishery Officers will patrol key locations to enforce the closure, with fines up to $100,000 for violations, and educational efforts are underway in partnership with local iwi and communities. Fisheries New Zealand, working with Ngāti Manuhiri, has implemented this temporary closure alongside educational materials to raise awareness about the cultural and environmental importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1241 views
The speech celebrates the 10th anniversary of Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and emphasizes New Zealand’s strong commitment to the Pacific region through partnership, democratic governance, and regional connectivity. It highlights New Zealand’s efforts in supporting infrastructure, digital transformation, media freedom, and people-to-people connections, including visa cost reductions to enhance travel and collaboration. Amid increasing geopolitical challenges, New Zealand reaffirms its principled support for Pacific sovereignty, regionalism, and the Pacific Way, aiming to foster unity and resilience ahead of hosting the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1146 views
The Legislation Amendment Bill, recently passed in Parliament, aims to improve access to secondary legislation by standardizing its publication across all agencies. It addresses current difficulties in finding regulations and other legal materials by creating a single, redeveloped New Zealand Legislation website as a one-stop access point. This digital modernization will help individuals and businesses better understand their legal obligations and reduce compliance costs.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1405 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the hospitality industry's significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy, generating over $9 billion in GDP and shaping visitor experiences. Since the first Hospitality Summit in 2024, the government has collaborated with the industry by introducing the Michelin Guide, investing in regional tourism, supporting major events, and reviewing regulations. The 2026 Summit focused on reflecting progress and planning practical steps to build a strong, resilient hospitality sector through continued partnership between government and industry.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1208 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $400,000 in a national digital platform to enhance coordination and efficiency across ports, addressing fragmented operations and improving resilience against disruptions. This funding is part of the final tranche of a $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which also supports equipment upgrades, vessel modifications, infrastructure repairs, maritime training, and dredging capabilities. These initiatives aim to strengthen coastal shipping as a vital, low-emission freight network that ensures essential supplies reach communities during crises, as demonstrated after Cyclone Gabrielle.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1139 views
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds has appointed Scott Haines JP, Principal of Burnside High School, to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board for a three-year term starting July 1, 2026. Haines brings extensive school leadership experience and national contributions, including roles with SPANZ and NCEA advisory groups, which will support TEC’s role in connecting schools, employers, and tertiary organizations. His expertise will help implement the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy focused on access, participation, and workforce development.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1273 views
A Rural Training Hub will be established in the Wairoa District to grow and retain frontline health workers by coordinating clinical placements, training, and support locally. This initiative, the second of four nationwide, aims to improve access to quality healthcare for rural New Zealanders by bringing education and work opportunities closer to home. The hubs will be co-designed with local communities and provide dedicated coordinators to help health workers settle and connect with local services, enhancing the rural health workforce.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1220 views
The Government plans to transfer funding responsibility for ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand and ACC to Pharmac to improve procurement efficiency, ensure nationwide access to consistent emergency medicines, and save costs. This change will create a single nationally consistent medicine list for ambulance services, enhancing continuity of care between ambulance providers and hospitals while leveraging Pharmac’s expertise and buying power. Public consultation on the proposal is open from March 12 to April 2, 2024, with implementation targeted for July 1, 2026.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1358 views
John Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board for two more years starting October 1, reflecting his strong leadership and extensive experience. The Board manages government investments in the NZ Super Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund, with five of seven members currently in their first term. This reappointment aims to ensure stability, continuity, and robust investment performance to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1178 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit Samoa and Tonga to strengthen New Zealand’s ties with these key Pacific nations, reflecting the deep family connections shared by over 300,000 Samoan and Tongan New Zealanders. This trip marks New Zealand’s first full engagement with the new governments, aiming to build trust and collaborate on prosperity and security issues. Accompanied by senior officials, business leaders, and community representatives, Luxon will also celebrate cultural and economic links during the visit from March 15 to 18.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1444 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced a reduction in visitor visa fees for Pacific nationals, lowering the cost from $216 to $161 for a 12-month visa starting 1 June, to promote easier and more affordable travel to New Zealand. This update complements previous improvements such as extended visa durations to two years with multiple entries, faster processing, and a visa-free trial for Pacific travelers from Australia, aiming to strengthen Pacific-New Zealand connections. The government will review the impact of these changes in a year, with further eligibility details to be confirmed soon.
12 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1135 views
The New Zealand Government is launching a 12-month digital labelling trial for approved retailers to reduce barriers to market entry and increase consumer choice, focusing on lower-risk, pre-packaged imported foods. The trial will exempt a small number of retailers from physical labelling requirements while ensuring all safety standards and regulatory oversight remain intact. This initiative aims to test innovative technology, maintain food safety, and inform future food labelling policies in collaboration with Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
11 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1236 views
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology highlighted New Zealand’s significant reforms to its science system, including the creation of unified funding bodies, advisory councils, and major bioeconomy institutes to enhance research impact and economic resilience. Emphasizing the convergence of life sciences with advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing, the government is investing in platforms such as the Biodiscovery Platform and Infectious Diseases Research Platform to drive innovation, health security, and sustainable growth. The Minister also addressed the importance of modernizing gene technology regulations to keep pace globally, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting science that benefits New Zealand’s economy, environment, and communities.