20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1386 views
New Zealand and Palau have agreed to strengthen their partnership as the next hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum, focusing on regional challenges like ocean health, fisheries management, and economic resilience. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized the importance of unity among Pacific nations to address shared issues and announced New Zealand's continued support for Palau's Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner with NZ$1.1 million. The discussions also covered practical cooperation for Palau’s Forum hosting and highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to safeguarding the ocean, a vital resource for the region’s future.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1344 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1505 views
The Counties Manukau after-hours service in South and East Auckland now operates 24/7, providing urgent care at any time and reducing pressure on Middlemore Hospital's emergency department. This restoration reverses the 2020 closure and aligns with the Government's Urgent Care and After-Hours Framework, aiming to ensure 98% of New Zealanders live within an hour of urgent care. Similar expansions are planned nationwide to improve access and support rural communities.
19 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1533 views
New Zealand and Kiribati have strengthened their Pacific partnership by signing a Statement of Partnership that formalizes cooperation in health, labour mobility, and security. During a meeting in Tarawa, they also announced New Zealand’s increased commitments to prevent non-communicable diseases, support maternal and child health, enhance labour mobility programs, and improve water security in Kiribati. This visit highlights New Zealand’s ongoing dedication to addressing Kiribati’s challenges and fostering regional cooperation within the Pacific Islands Forum.
19 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1706 views
On 19 January 2026, Kiribati and New Zealand signed the Te Mauri Dialogue Statement of Partnership, outlining a five-year cooperative framework based on mutual respect, shared Pacific identity, and common goals such as sustainable development, climate change action, and regional security. The partnership focuses on four priority areas: strengthening democracy and values, improving health and wellbeing, enhancing peace and security, and promoting economic prosperity through collaboration and regional integration. Both countries commit to mutual accountability through regular high-level consultations, annual progress talks, and coordinated development assistance aligned with Kiribati’s national plans and regional strategies.
18 Jan 2026
9 months ago
2221 views
The Government, led by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, is urgently seeking advice on addressing the unsustainable removal of marine life from rockpools on Whangaparāoa Peninsula and surrounding areas. Following a request from the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a temporary fisheries closure, officials are considering measures such as species-specific collection prohibitions and educational campaigns to protect these ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders aims to find balanced solutions that support ecosystem recovery while avoiding negative impacts on legitimate activities like oyster farming.
16 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1442 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has been reappointed Vice Chair for the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) to be held in March 2026 in Cameroon, reflecting New Zealand’s commitment to the multilateral trading system. McClay will focus on advancing key issues such as agricultural exports, fisheries subsidies reforms, the WTO E-commerce moratorium, and strengthening dispute settlement processes. As one of three Vice Chairs, he will work closely with the host Chair and members to ensure a successful conference that benefits New Zealand’s exporters and economy.
16 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1525 views
New Zealand manufacturing activity reached its highest level since December 2021, with the seasonally adjusted PMI rising to 56.1, indicating industry expansion and outperforming major global economies. Manufacturing is vital to New Zealand’s economy, employing over 220,000 people, contributing 8% of GDP, and accounting for 60% of exports, with recent growth signaling a positive outlook. To celebrate this success, the government announced the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards, introducing new categories to recognize small businesses, emerging leaders, and lifetime contributions, with entries opening from 23 February to 31 March 2026.
16 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1521 views
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Kiribati and Palau to strengthen New Zealand's relationships across the Pacific, marking his first visit to Kiribati since 2019 and completing visits to all 17 Pacific Island Forum member countries in a single term. New Zealand and Palau are collaborating closely on regional issues as both prepare to host the Pacific Islands Forum in upcoming years. The visits aim to enhance resilience, prosperity, and security in the Pacific while continuing engagement on key matters like marine resource management.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1437 views
The New Zealand Government has enacted amendments to five major National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act to simplify consenting for mines, quarries, and coastal activities, aiming to support infrastructure development and economic growth. These changes streamline the planning system by reducing duplication and conflicting language, enabling more efficient resource development while maintaining environmental safeguards and supporting sectors like renewable energy and aquaculture. The reforms, effective January 2026, represent the first tranche of RMA national direction updates designed to integrate smoothly with the forthcoming new planning system, with further instruments planned for future consideration.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1383 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $3.69 million through the Regional Tourism Boost to promote international visitors exploring regional areas beyond typical hotspots. Five targeted campaigns will attract tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia to diverse regions, highlighting unique experiences like cycling, wine tasting, and local hospitality during quieter seasons. This initiative aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and ensure tourism benefits are shared across the country’s communities.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1593 views
The New Zealand Government has introduced a new National Policy Statement for Infrastructure and amended two others to streamline resource consenting, reduce costs, and accelerate renewable energy and infrastructure projects under the Resource Management Act (RMA). These changes aim to address the infrastructure deficit by providing clear, consistent direction to councils and developers, cutting red tape, and supporting the country’s economic growth, climate adaptation, and energy security goals. The updated national direction instruments, effective from January 2026, will integrate with the forthcoming modern planning system to ensure smoother implementation and continued progress.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1443 views
The Government’s new reforms, effective today, aim to balance enabling urban development with protecting New Zealand’s most productive land, particularly by providing more flexible use of moderately productive Land Use Capability Class 3 land. Additionally, a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards introduces a consistent, risk-based approach for councils to manage natural hazard risks, enhancing community resilience amid climate change. These changes, part of the first tranche of national direction instruments under the RMA, support streamlined planning, safer communities, and will integrate with the upcoming modern planning system.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1382 views
New Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.
14 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1430 views
Over 500 newly graduated doctors have begun working across New Zealand, marking the start of their careers as House Officers providing frontline care. The government is investing in increasing medical school places by 100 annually to build a sustainable health system with more home-grown clinicians. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that this growth in the medical workforce will improve access to care for patients and communities nationwide.