Articles tagged with Acc
Auckland Cuts Child Dental Surgery Waitlist by Over 1,400 for Faster Care
4 days ago | 86 viewsThe number of children waiting for dental surgery in Auckland has dropped by over 1,400, reaching its lowest level in years due to various initiatives like increased theatre capacity and better collaboration between hospital and community teams. A pilot program offering publicly funded sedation for dental treatment has provided an alternative to general anaesthetic, helping 340 children receive faster care and reducing the surgical waitlist. These efforts have freed up hospital capacity for more urgent cases and improved timely access to dental treatment for children.
Tags: Matt Doocey Auckland dental treatment children surgical waitlist sedation oral health hospital capacity healthcare access dental surgeryACC Restores Specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab in Canterbury and West Coast
1 week ago | 149 viewsACC has reestablished specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation services in Canterbury and West Coast, ending a gap since 2020 that forced patients to travel far for care. Hauora Ability Services will deliver these services at The Granada Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch starting July 2026, improving accessibility and client outcomes. This investment enables smoother recovery transitions, allowing clients to receive timely support close to home and maintain connections with family, community, and employment.
Tags: ACC Scott Simpson Nicola Grigg Canterbury West Coast Traumatic Brain Injury Hauora Ability Services The Granada Rehabilitation Centre Christchurch TBIRROtago Youth Empowered Through 10-Week Enterprise Accelerator Program
1 week ago | 163 viewsOver 240 young people aged 15 to 24 in Otago will participate in a 10-week Enterprise Accelerator programme to develop skills for work, business, and future opportunities through hands-on workshops and mentoring. Funded with $120,000 by the Government and delivered by The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, the initiative also connects participants to the He Kākano programme for seed funding and ongoing support. This investment aims to unlock youth potential by enhancing work-readiness, confidence, and creating pathways into employment, business, and self-employment.
Tags: James Meager Youth and South Island Minister Otago Dunedin Clutha Waitaki Districts King’s Trust Aotearoa He Kākano Enterprise Accelerator youth enterprise programGovernment Strengthens Total Mobility Scheme to Enhance Transport for Disabled New Zealanders
2 weeks ago | 211 viewsThe Government is strengthening the Total Mobility scheme to enhance transport options for disabled and older New Zealanders by adopting a national purpose statement, reviewing funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles, and considering expanded provider standards including ride-hail services. After extensive public consultation, the Government decided against imposing mandatory documentary evidence, periodic reassessments, or trip caps to avoid burdening users, aiming to balance scheme sustainability with user independence. Funding changes implemented in July 2026 reduced subsidies and fare caps to address financial shortfalls, with further decisions on public transport concessions and operational reviews to be made by Cabinet and the NZ Transport Agency.
Tags: Chris Bishop Louise Upston Total Mobility New Zealand NZ Transport Agency Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport disability transport public consultation wheelchair accessible vehiclesPharmac Expands Access to Type 2 Diabetes Medicines for Over 30,000 Patients
2 weeks ago | 196 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to expand access to type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need, benefiting over 30,000 patients regardless of ethnicity. From 1 September, medicines like empagliflozin and liraglutide will be funded for anyone with high blood sugar despite other treatments, removing previous restrictions related to cardiovascular or renal conditions. This change, supported by community feedback and a new supplier agreement, aims to improve health outcomes, reduce complications, and optimize health budget efficiency.
Tags: David Seymour Pharmac type 2 diabetes empagliflozin metformin liraglutide dulaglutide New Zealand health access diabetes medicinesGovernment Achieves Early Training Target for 10,000 Frontline Family Violence Workers
3 weeks ago | 251 viewsThe government has achieved its target of training 10,000 frontline workers in family and sexual violence prevention nearly six months ahead of schedule, enhancing support for victim/survivors. Key agencies including NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki, Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and ACC have delivered training aligned with workforce capability frameworks to improve recognition, response, and referral skills. Ongoing efforts include specialized training for court staff, extensive Corrections staff training, and revamped Police recruit courses to sustain and expand these capabilities through 2026.
Tags: Karen Chhour Te Aorerekura NZ Police Oranga Tamariki Ministry of Justice Department of Corrections ACC family violence sexual violence frontline workersGovernment Signs $3.65B PPP Agreement for Northland Expressway Warkworth to Te Hana
3 weeks ago | 312 viewsThe New Zealand Government has signed a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain, and operate the 26-kilometre Northland Expressway section from Warkworth to Te Hana, aiming to boost regional economic growth, improve safety, and reduce travel times. The $3.649 billion project, supported by a $1.6 billion Crown Capital Contribution and structured with performance-based payments over 25 years, incorporates extensive infrastructure including tunnels, bridges, and interchanges, with construction starting in late 2027 and completion expected by 2034. This PPP model leverages competitive procurement, risk-sharing, and local employment opportunities, ensuring value for taxpayers while fostering sustainable development and long-term operational standards.
Tags: Chris Bishop Northway consortium New Zealand Transport Agency Acciona Concesiones SL Global Sustainable Infrastructure GP IV Ltd Acciona Construction New Zealand Ltd Downer New Zealand AECOM Treasury PPP Policy Guidance Transport MinisterNew Zealand Invests $8.5M to Boost Rural Health Workforce and Emergency Care
3 weeks ago | 255 viewsThe New Zealand government is investing over $8.5 million in three initiatives to strengthen the rural health workforce and improve local access to care. These include funding for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training, expanded and subsidized Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and a $6 million boost to the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service to attract a broader range of health professionals. These efforts aim to equip rural clinicians with better skills and support, ensuring timely, quality healthcare for rural communities and reducing reliance on distant hospital care.
Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand rural health POCUS PRIME training rural clinicians healthcare access National Rural Recruitment locum support emergency careNew Zealand Modernises RSE Scheme to Simplify and Protect Seasonal Workers
4 weeks ago | 234 viewsThe Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
Tags: Erica Stanford Recognised Seasonal Employer RSE scheme New Zealand Pacific workers horticulture viticulture immigration pastoral care accommodation standardsConstruction Begins on Final Eastern Busway Section Boosting Auckland Transport
1 month ago | 342 viewsConstruction has begun on the final 500-metre section of Auckland's Eastern Busway, completing a rapid transit corridor from Panmure to Botany that will enhance public transport reliability and efficiency by 2027. The project, a $1.4 billion joint investment by the Government and Auckland Council, includes separated busways, walking and cycling paths, and is expected to significantly increase daily public transport trips while supporting population growth and reducing congestion. Together with the City Rail Link, the Eastern Busway will transform Auckland’s transport network by providing fast, safe, and connected travel options for thousands of residents.
Tags: Simon Watts Wayne Brown Mr Bishop Auckland Council Auckland Transport Fletcher Construction ACCIONA AECOM Jacobs NZ Transport AgencyKiwi Businesses Boost Productivity with $800M Gains from eInvoicing Adoption
1 month ago | 350 viewsKiwi businesses are projected to gain up to $800 million annually in productivity through full eInvoicing adoption, which has more than doubled in uptake recently, enabling faster payments and reduced paperwork. The government leads by example with prompt payments, achieving over 95% of invoices paid within 10 working days, and will require large businesses to send eInvoices to government agencies from January 2027. This initiative aims to improve cashflow, cut administrative costs, reduce invoice fraud, and create a more efficient business environment in New Zealand.
Tags: eInvoicing productivity gains Kiwi businesses Cameron Brewer NZIER Small Business Manufacturing Minister government payments invoice fraud cloud accountingNZ Government Accounts Show Stronger Economy with Higher Revenue and Lower Deficit
1 month ago | 476 viewsThe latest government accounts reveal stronger-than-expected core Crown revenue and lower expenses, indicating an improving economy. Corporate tax revenue rose by $700 million, reflecting increased business profitability, and the deficit was $3 billion lower than forecast. Despite recent challenges like the Middle East conflict, economic indicators such as falling oil prices, rising business confidence, and increased exports suggest the economy is regaining momentum.
Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister New Zealand government accounts economy Crown revenue corporate tax OBEGALx Middle East conflict inflation expectationsNew Regulatory Standards Act Empowers Kiwis to Challenge Bad Regulations
1 month ago | 405 viewsThe Regulatory Standards Act (2025) establishes the Regulatory Standards Board to protect New Zealanders by increasing transparency around the costs and impacts of regulations on property rights and personal liberties. The Board reviews Consistency Accountability Statements, handles public complaints about bad regulations, and can assess existing laws to ensure accountability and inform voters. With over 260 regulators in New Zealand, this Act aims to provide clearer information on regulatory costs and empower citizens to hold policymakers responsible.
Tags: Regulatory Standards Act Regulatory Standards Board David Seymour New Zealand Public Finance Act Reserve Bank Act Bill of Rights Act Consistency Accountability Statements Ministry for Regulation KiwisAeeden Boadita-Cormican Appointed New TAIC Commissioner Until 2031
1 month ago | 421 viewsAssociate Transport Minister James Meager announced Aeeden Boadita-Cormican as the new Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC), serving until May 2031. With over 35 years of legal experience and prior involvement in the transport sector, she has held significant roles including General Counsel at the Accident Compensation Corporation and governance positions in various organizations. Ms Boadita-Cormican replaces Bernadette Arapere and will work alongside the existing TAIC Commissioners to contribute her expertise and collaborative approach.
Tags: James Meager David Clarke Stephen Davies Howard Paula Rose Bernadette Arapere Transport Accident Investigation Commission Clifton Chambers Accident Compensation Corporation Southern Response Earthquake ServicesNew Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre to Provide Local Radiation Treatment
2 months ago | 582 viewsConstruction has begun on the new Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre, which will provide the region's first local radiation treatment service, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care. The $44.8 million project includes advanced technology such as a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine and will offer comprehensive oncology and haematology services, improving treatment outcomes and patient comfort. This centre is a key part of the wider Hawke’s Bay Hospital redevelopment aimed at enhancing healthcare access and capacity for the growing population.
Tags: Simeon Brown Hawke’s Bay Cancer Centre Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Palmerston North Linear Accelerator LINAC Hawke’s Bay Hospital Health Minister cancer treatment radiation treatment