Articles tagged with Business
WorkSafe Launches New Prequalification Template to Help Small Construction Contractors
5 days ago | 131 viewsWorkSafe has introduced a new prequalification template to simplify the contractor health and safety assessment process, addressing frustrations over inconsistent and duplicative requirements in New Zealand’s construction industry. This template, supported by a position statement, promotes a consistent, risk-based approach that reduces unnecessary costs and paperwork, particularly benefiting small businesses and sole traders. Government agencies are expected to adopt the template in procurement processes, helping contractors avoid multiple prequalification forms and making bidding more efficient and cost-effective.
Tags: Brooke van Velden WorkSafe New Zealand Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety prequalification construction businesses contractors health and safety government procurement small businessesNew Zealand Targets Electricity Network Reforms to Lower Power Bills and Boost Efficiency
6 days ago | 135 viewsNew Zealand’s rising electricity bills are largely driven by electricity distribution network costs, prompting the government to seek reforms for greater affordability, reliability, and efficiency in the sector. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released a discussion document proposing actions to enhance collaboration among Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs), improve economic regulation, and strengthen governance to support increased electrification and innovation. The government is inviting public feedback on these potential reforms to ensure investments deliver value for consumers and help moderate future power costs.
Tags: Simeon Brown Cameron Brewer Electricity Distribution Businesses Commerce Commission MBIE New Zealand Energy Minister Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Frontier Review Energy PackageNew Zealand Passes Law to Protect Businesses from Climate Change Litigation
6 days ago | 124 viewsThe New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Climate Change Response Act 2002 greenhouse gas emissions High Court litigation tort law Emissions Trading Scheme Parliament Government business certaintyGovernment Funds Additional Growth Advisor to Support Hawke's Bay Businesses Through 2027
1 week ago | 142 viewsThe Government is funding an additional Growth Advisor at the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce through June 2027 to provide hands-on support for local business owners recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. This advisor will offer practical guidance on planning, growth opportunities, and decision-making, helping businesses navigate ongoing challenges and access regional resources. The initiative aims to strengthen Hawke's Bay's productive economy by ensuring small businesses receive timely, local expertise to rebuild and succeed.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Karla Lee Katie Nimon Catherine Wedd Hawke's Bay Cyclone Gabrielle Growth Advisor Regional Business Partner Network Small Business Hawke's Bay Chamber of CommerceGovernment Ends ‘Offensive Trades’ Registration, Saving Businesses Time and Money
1 week ago | 143 viewsThe Government is abolishing the ‘offensive trades’ registration under the 1956 Health Act to reduce unnecessary compliance costs and save businesses time and money. This change, supported by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, recognizes that modern environmental and industry-specific regulations sufficiently manage these trades, making annual registrations obsolete. The reform is expected to save up to $2.26 million over 10 years and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape and improve productivity.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Government Health Act 1956 offensive trades Regulation Minister Ministry of Regulation Red Tape Tipline business compliance local councilsUnlocking New Zealand's Hydrogen Potential: Innovation, Investment, and Energy Future
1 week ago | 180 viewsThe Hydrogen Hui highlights New Zealand’s potential to develop hydrogen as a key part of its energy mix, supporting economic growth, energy security, and emissions reduction through innovation across the hydrogen value chain. The government is committed to establishing clear regulatory frameworks and investing $45 million in projects like Aspiring Materials’ green hydrogen and critical minerals facility to foster regional development and technological advancement. Success relies on collaboration among industry, investors, and researchers to build a sustainable hydrogen sector, guided by the newly launched New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map.
Tags: Dr Linda Wright New Zealand Hydrogen Council Ambassador of Japan Deputy High Commissioner of Singapore Charge d'Affaires European Union Aspiring Materials Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment New Zealand Government Hydrogen Industry Road Map Coalition GovernmentUnlocking New Zealand’s Hydrogen Potential: Innovation, Investment, and Future Growth
1 week ago | 173 viewsThe Hydrogen Hui highlights New Zealand's commitment to developing hydrogen as a key part of its energy future, emphasizing its potential for energy security, regional economic growth, and emissions reduction across various sectors. The government is working on establishing clear regulatory frameworks and investing $45 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support innovative hydrogen projects like Aspiring Materials' green hydrogen and critical minerals facility. Success will rely on collaboration among industry, researchers, and investors, guided by the newly launched New Zealand Hydrogen Industry Road Map to build a comprehensive hydrogen value chain.
Tags: Linda Wright New Zealand Hydrogen Council Ambassador of Japan Deputy High Commissioner of Singapore Charge d'Affaires European Union Aspiring Materials Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment New Zealand Government Hydrogen Industry Road Map Coalition GovernmentKiwi Businesses Save Time Accessing $400M Government Grants with New Funding Explorer
2 weeks ago | 191 viewsThe upgraded Funding Explorer, launched by the New Zealand government, consolidates 15 funding opportunities from seven agencies into a single searchable platform, enabling businesses to quickly find relevant grants and support. This tool addresses previous fragmentation and navigation difficulties, allowing businesses to search by sector or objective, such as commercializing ideas or boosting productivity. The initiative, praised by industry leaders, aims to reduce time spent on government paperwork, fostering more investment, job creation, and stronger exports.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Catherine Lye Funding Explorer Small Business Manufacturing business grants government agencies Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa business funding business.govt.nzIndependent Review Finds New Zealand's Minerals Royalty Regime Transparent and Competitive
2 weeks ago | 195 viewsAn independent Deloitte review found New Zealand's minerals royalty regime transparent and comparable to similar countries, with most royalty revenue derived from legacy permits predating the 2013 framework. The report highlights the trade-offs between Crown returns, investment certainty, and sector stability, emphasizing the importance of fair returns amid emerging critical minerals opportunities. Policy work will continue with further advice in 2027, while decisions on changes will be made in the next government term.
Tags: Shane Jones New Zealand Deloitte New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment minerals royalty regime Crown mining royalties mineral development critical minerals government policyNZ Labour Market Q2: Rising Unemployment Spurs Focus on Growth & Investment
2 weeks ago | 200 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the second quarter was challenging for New Zealand's labour market, with rising costs and uncertainty causing employers to pause hiring, resulting in a 5.6% unemployment rate. The government is focusing on policies to boost economic growth and business confidence, including support for tourism, international education, major construction projects, infrastructure investment, and the Investment Boost initiative. These measures aim to encourage employers to invest and expand, fostering long-term job creation rather than quick fixes.
Tags: New Zealand labour market unemployment Nicola Willis economy business confidence tourism international education construction projects Investment BoostEarn as You Learn Expands to Train Young Kiwis for Manufacturing Careers
3 weeks ago | 233 viewsThe Earn as You Learn programme, which combines paid workplace learning with formal training and industry mentoring, is expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and Auckland to address the manufacturing sector's skilled workforce shortage. Developed by manufacturers and supported by Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, the programme has proven successful in the Waikato pilot, with most participants securing full-time jobs after completing their training. The government is committed to expanding vocational pathways alongside this initiative, aiming to grow the skilled manufacturing workforce essential for New Zealand's economic recovery and future innovation.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Catherine Lye Earn as You Learn Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Wintec New Zealand Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Waikato Youth Guarantee Trades AcademyNew Hazardous Substances Rules Improve Lab Safety and Cut Compliance Costs
3 weeks ago | 271 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced new hazardous substances regulations effective today that provide tailored safety requirements for laboratories, reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong safety standards. The 2017 regulations had imposed industrial-level requirements on laboratories, leading to impractical and costly renovations estimated between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, with some rules potentially compromising safety. The updated regulations introduce a dedicated compliance pathway with risk management plans and an Approved Code of Practice developed with industry, supporting science and innovation while ensuring health and safety protections.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Universities New Zealand Independent Research Association of New Zealand Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment Health and Safety at Work Hazardous Substances Regulations Approved Code of Practice Workplace Relations and Safety Minister scientists laboratoriesMBIE Biometric Project Cost Overruns Spark Independent Audit and Inquiry
3 weeks ago | 251 viewsThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) ceased the seven-year Biometric Capability Upgrade project in December 2025, initially reporting $33 million in costs written off. Subsequent reviews revealed discrepancies in MBIE’s financial reporting, leading to the identification of an additional $6 million in project costs and prompting the commissioning of an independent financial audit. The matter has been referred to the Michael Heron inquiry and the Public Service Commissioner to investigate MBIE’s financial controls and potentially expand the inquiry’s scope.
Tags: Biometric Capability Upgrade Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Greg James Education and Workforce Committee Nicola Willis Michael Heron Public Service Commissioner financial audit Cabinet scrutinyŌmāhu Marae Homes Transferred to Māori Trusts Supporting Whānau Housing
1 month ago | 292 viewsOwnership of 11 temporary homes at Ōmāhu Marae in Hawke’s Bay has been transferred from the Government to local Māori authorities to support Māori-led housing and community resilience following Cyclone Gabrielle. This transfer honors Treaty obligations by enabling local stewardship, preserving cultural continuity, and ensuring the homes remain affordable and serve social good. The initiative reflects partnership and empowerment of Māori communities, with the village named Utaina Ōmāhu symbolizing unity and strength.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ōmāhu Marae Ngāti Hinemanu Ngāi Te Upokoiri Te Piringa Hapū Ngāti Kahungunu Cyclone Gabrielle Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Heretaunga Te Tiriti o WaitangiNew Zealand's RDTI Hits $10 Billion Supporting Business Innovation and Growth
1 month ago | 299 viewsThe Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) in New Zealand has supported over $10 billion in business R&D investment, demonstrating growing confidence and rapid uptake, especially among small businesses. An independent evaluation in 2025 showed the scheme generates significant economic benefits, with each dollar of support leading to an additional $1.40 invested in R&D, contributing to productivity, innovation, and high-value job creation. To further enhance its impact, the government plans to introduce in-year payments for tax credits in Budget 2026, aiming to improve cash flow and encourage more businesses to invest in R&D.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Callaghan Innovation MBIE New Zealand RDTI Budget 2026 Science Technology Innovation R&D businesses government