19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1313 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has approved a Fast-track application by RCL Homestead Bay Limited to build 2,800 homes and a commercial precinct in Queenstown, addressing the region's severe housing shortage and high prices. The project is expected to contribute $720.3 million to GDP and create approximately 4,420 construction jobs, while minimizing pressure on existing infrastructure through independent wastewater systems. This approval marks the 10th successful Fast-track project, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in accelerating essential infrastructure developments across New Zealand.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1236 views
The New Zealand Government has allocated $80 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop and process domestic critical minerals, aiming to boost jobs, investment, and regional economic recovery. Critical minerals are vital for modern technologies and global supply chains, and New Zealand seeks to position itself as a reliable source while fostering advanced processing and international partnerships. The funding supports projects aligned with the Minerals Strategy, with applications accepted and successful initiatives to be announced after evaluation.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1297 views
Stuart Calman has been appointed as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador, bringing extensive experience in foreign policy, trade, and climate policy, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. His role will focus on supporting Australia’s chairmanship of the UN Climate COP31 negotiations in 2026 and advancing New Zealand’s economic, trade, and climate objectives. Calman, a senior diplomat with a background in energy and sustainable development, will begin his Wellington-based position on February 16, 2026, succeeding Stuart Horne.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1287 views
A new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, has opened at Burnham Military Camp to enhance the health, wellbeing, and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel by providing comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, psychological, and training services under one roof. The $22 million facility, completed in 18 months, aims to set a new standard for military healthcare infrastructure, supporting both prevention and treatment to improve retention and performance. Strategically located at the largest South Island military base, the centre reflects a strong commitment to caring for Defence personnel throughout their service and beyond.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1549 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka congratulated the finalists for the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy, which honors Māori excellence in farming and horticulture, highlighting their contribution to New Zealand’s economy and rural employment. The competition now includes horticulture, reflecting its 50% growth on Māori land since 2017, and recognizes the sector’s role in supporting Māori communities through jobs and reinvestment. Finalists will host field days for further judging, with the overall winner announced on 5 June in Whangārei.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1251 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown support Pharmac’s proposal to fund two new combination therapies—venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab—as first-line treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) starting May 2026. These treatments aim to improve patient outcomes by enabling longer remission, reducing the need for chemotherapy, and offering more convenient pill-based options, including availability in private clinics to minimize patient disruption. The Government’s broader commitment includes investing $604 million to fund new blood cancer medicines, expanding stem cell transplant services, and enhancing cancer care access and timeliness across New Zealand.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1341 views
Starting 30 March 2026, New Zealand's Proceeds of Crime Fund will reopen to allocate seized criminal assets toward initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety. The fund prioritizes high-impact, outcome-focused programs that prevent lower-level offending, dismantle gang operations, and support community partnerships, with strict criteria and short-term investments up to three years. Recent funded projects include improved safety measures in Auckland’s CBD and community-led efforts like the Meke Academy, reflecting a commitment to redirect criminal proceeds to protect victims and prevent further crime.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1355 views
New Zealand's Parliament has passed legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognize all service personnel who have served in times of war, including conflicts after 1966 and allied forces involved in the Gallipoli landing. The updated law broadens commemoration to include those who served in various roles, such as United Nations missions, medical units, the Merchant Navy, and those who died during training. This change strengthens the significance of Anzac Day as a national tradition that honors the courage and sacrifice of all who defended New Zealand and its allies.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1252 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for about 300 pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by APEX members. The agreement recognizes pharmacists' valuable work, offers workforce stability, and includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements. This initiative aims to build a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce to ensure timely, quality care for New Zealanders.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1171 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, benefiting approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide. The agreement recognizes their valuable work, provides greater workforce stability, and supports their essential role in health service delivery. It also includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements, aiming to build a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1238 views
Andy Knight has been appointed chair of the expert panel advising the New Zealand Government on applications to the $200 million Gas Security Fund, which aims to enhance domestic gas supply and storage amid declining production. The panel also includes geophysicist Tim Allan and energy sector professional John Pagani, with two more members to be appointed, and will provide independent, expert advice to decision-making ministers Shane Jones and Chris Bishop. The fund, administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, supports projects with short- to long-term benefits to secure affordable and reliable gas for New Zealand’s economy.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1345 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop introduced the National Infrastructure Plan in Parliament, emphasizing its role in enhancing New Zealand’s prosperity through improved planning, funding, and maintenance of infrastructure over the next 30 years. The Plan acknowledges existing challenges such as inefficiencies and fragmented asset management despite high infrastructure spending, and outlines ten priority actions including hospital investment, water renewals, transport project sequencing, flood resilience, and legislative reforms. The Government has begun implementing many of these priorities and will respond to the Plan’s recommendations by June 2026, seeking cross-party engagement to build durable consensus for future infrastructure development.
16 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1437 views
Since its refresh in April 2025, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa has attracted $3.39 billion from 573 applicants, significantly surpassing previous investment levels and supporting sectors like tech, healthcare, and horticulture. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford highlights that this influx of international capital and expertise is driving productivity, job creation, and business expansion, aligning with the Government’s economic growth goals. Additionally, new visa settings allow investor visa holders to purchase or build high-value homes, fostering deeper connections to New Zealand.
16 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1256 views
New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin rugby league match in 2027 at Eden Park, marking a historic milestone expected to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors and generate $17.4 million for Auckland's economy. The event, supported by the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, and the Australian Rugby League Commission, aims to boost tourism and showcase Auckland as a premier destination for major international events. Recent changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park will facilitate hosting more large-scale events, further enhancing New Zealand's global sporting profile.
16 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1411 views
The New Zealand Government is reforming outdated planning rules to enable Eden Park, Auckland’s largest stadium, to host more and diverse major events, boosting local and national economic growth. Changes include increasing permitted concerts from 12 to 32 annually, allowing longer event durations, removing restrictions on night sports games, and enabling various community and cultural events without resource consent. These reforms, expected by April 2026, leverage new powers under the Resource Management Act to modernize Eden Park’s operations, supporting job creation, tourism, and Auckland’s status as a world-class destination.