Articles tagged with National

Saying yes to housing growth

2 weeks ago | 176 views

New Zealanders have an opportunity to help shape the new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) through public consultation on removing unnecessary barriers to housing growth, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “New Zealand’s house prices are among the most expensive in the developed world – a direct result of our current planning system making it too hard for our cities to grow up and out. “Fixing our housing crisis involves fixing the fundamentals of our housing market - freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.

Tags: Auckland Chris bishop Christchurch Housing National New zealand Policy statement on urban development Resource management act Standards

New Pharmac Chief Executive welcomed

2 weeks ago | 194 views

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed Natalie McMurtry as Pharmac’s Chief Executive. Natalie McMurtry will start as Pharmac’s Chief Executive on Monday 15 September, taking over from the Acting Chief Executive, Brendan Boyle. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister.

Tags: Alberta Brendan boyle David seymour Natalie Natalie mcmurtry National coalition agreement New zealand Pharmac Seymour Zealand

New Bill to boost labour market flexibility

2 weeks ago | 170 views

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty. “Today I’m announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this Government’s efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers,” says Ms van Velden. The changes give effect to several ACT–National Coalition Agreement commitments, including to provide greater certainty for contracting parties.

Tags: Agreement Brooke van veld Coalition Employment court Employment relations act Employment relations amendment bill Employment relations authority National New zealand Relations and safety

Celebrating health volunteers during National Volunteer Week

2 weeks ago | 140 views

Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand’s health system, including this year’s recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. This year’s theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand. “Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country.

Tags: Aloese lefo Better breathing programme Canterbury Cashmere high school Gabrielle Hato hone st john Health care provider Health shuttle Hohepa student volunteers Long service award Māori health service award Matt doocey Minister National New zealand Of health Pacific Pacific health service award Parkinson Rotorua

Pharmac funding u-turn for patients

2 weeks ago | 149 views

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach. From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch.

Tags: Coalition agreement David seymour Estradot National Pharmac Seymour

National Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers

2 weeks ago | 167 views

National Volunteer Week kicks off today and is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand, says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston. “This week is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day,” Ms Upston says. Over 53% of adult New Zealanders volunteer, either for organisations or directly helping others, and 89% of community organisations are volunteer run.

Tags: Community and voluntary sector Louise upston National volunteer week New zealand