Articles tagged with Development
Government and Partners Invest $700K to Empower Auckland Youth Through Polyfest Program
1 week ago | 163 viewsThe Government, alongside Rangitāmiro Limited and One Foundation Limited, is investing $700,000 to support The Polyfest Trust's three-month leadership and mentoring programme for over 350 Auckland youth aged 12 to 24. The initiative, integrated with the ASB Polyfest Māori stage, aims to develop participants' leadership, goal-setting, and decision-making skills while preparing them for future education, training, and employment opportunities. Emphasizing culture and community, the programme fosters confidence, identity, and long-term success through personalised mentorship and engagement plans.
Tags: Polyfest Trust James Meager Youth Development Partnership Rangitāmiro Limited One Foundation Limited ASB Polyfest Youth Minister Kapa Haka Nationals International Youth Day Pacific cultural festivalsGovernment Enhances Infrastructure Funding to Support Fast-Track Developments in NZ
1 week ago | 165 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing infrastructure funding settings to ensure growth-related costs from Fast-track developments are recoverable by councils, addressing challenges like out-of-sequence projects and cross-boundary infrastructure impacts. Amendments to the Local Government Act 2002 will allow councils to update Development Contribution policies and recover costs more flexibly, serving as an interim measure until the new Development Levies system becomes operational in 2029. These changes aim to balance the acceleration of development through Fast-track approvals with fair infrastructure funding, supporting economic growth while maintaining effective service delivery.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts Development Contributions Development Levies Local Government Act 2002 Housing Growth Infrastructure funding New Zealand GovernmentGovernment Supports 400+ Young Kiwis with Youth Development After Severe Weather
1 week ago | 192 viewsThe Government has invested $315,000 to support over 400 young Kiwis affected by severe weather events through six tailored youth development programmes across various regions. These initiatives focus on practical skills like forest restoration, safety training, employment readiness, and emotional wellbeing, helping young people re-engage with education and their communities. By providing safe spaces and targeted support, the programmes aim to build resilience, leadership, and positive pathways for youth recovery and future success.
Tags: James Meager Youth Minister Ngātiwai Trust Board Ngāti Maru Ki Hauraki Whitianga Community Services Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust Ignite Sport Trust Whenua Iti Trust New Zealand Government Youth Development ProgramsDisability Support Services Bill Updated with Key Amendments Reflecting Community Feedback
1 week ago | 169 viewsThe Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report on the Disability Support Services Bill includes amendments reflecting feedback from over 3,000 submitters, clarifying the Bill’s intent, reinforcing support for families, and ensuring disabled people have a stronger voice in decisions. The revised Bill aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Enabling Good Lives principles, providing a clear legal framework for Disability Support Services without changing current eligibility or entitlements. The Government has committed $2.1 billion in additional funding to improve consistency, fairness, and sustainability of services, with ongoing consultations planned for further improvements such as a carers’ package.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Services and Community Select Committee Disability Support Services Bill United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Enabling Good Lives Disability Issues Minister DSS Supreme Court Child Development Services Independent ReviewGovernment Expands Early Intervention Services to Support More Children Nationwide
1 week ago | 178 viewsEducation Minister Erica Stanford announced the expansion of the Early Intervention Specialist Service (EISS) to provide earlier, tailored support for more young children with high and complex developmental needs across New Zealand. From September, up to 1,000 EISS placements will be available nationwide through a mixed-market model involving both the Ministry of Education and alternate providers, increasing family choice and reducing wait times. This expansion, part of the Government’s Budget 2025 investment, aims to strengthen learning support, help children participate and progress, and ensure every child can reach their full potential.
Tags: Erica Stanford Education Minister Early Intervention Specialist Service EISS Ministry of Education The Pudney Hub Hawke’s Bay Budget 2025 learning support developmental needsGovernment Approves Kāinga Ora Arlington Reset to Deliver 104 New Social Homes in Wellington
1 week ago | 149 viewsThe Government has approved a reset of the Kāinga Ora Arlington development to deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington, with construction expected between 2027 and 2029, and will provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people. The redesigned project replaces a previously paused, costly plan of 301 apartments, aiming for a more cost-effective approach with a mix of one-, two-, and four-bedroom homes, funded through Kāinga Ora’s renewals programme. Additionally, part of the Arlington site may be returned to the Council for further housing development, maximizing the use of the site and supporting community housing initiatives.
Tags: Chris Bishop Andrew Little Kāinga Ora Wellington City Council Arlington development social housing New Zealand government Mount Cook housing services Cabinet approvalGovernment Launches Upgraded MyMSD Jobs Site to Connect Job Seekers with Employers
1 week ago | 174 viewsThe Government has launched an upgraded job search website, MyMSD Jobs, to better connect job seekers with employers using enhanced job matching technology and improved Jobseeker profiles. Over 94,000 clients have updated their profiles to access matched job opportunities, with more than 7,700 positions currently available, and positive feedback has been reported from users. Future improvements include a dedicated employer portal, as part of MSD’s broader transformation to provide more efficient services and support stronger, resilient communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD JobSeeker Support MyMSD Jobs Kimi Mahi Mai Social Development and Employment Minister job matching technology New Zealand employment platform$15M Regional Fund Boosts Aspiring Materials' Green Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Plant
1 week ago | 182 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale facility in Southland that produces green hydrogen and critical minerals using patented technology. This government-supported project aims to boost economic development, reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is challenging, and strengthen New Zealand’s energy sector through innovation and advanced manufacturing. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals, highlights the government's commitment to diverse energy solutions and regional growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Aspiring Materials Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund New Zealand hydrogen green hydrogen critical minerals Regional Development Hydrogen Action Plan ChristchurchGovernment Invests $15M in Southland Facility for Green Hydrogen and Critical Minerals
1 week ago | 208 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $15 million in Aspiring Materials Limited to develop a $31 million commercial-scale plant in Southland that produces green hydrogen and extracts critical minerals from quarry waste using patented technology. This government-backed initiative aims to boost economic development, support energy innovation, and position New Zealand’s regions to capitalize on emerging industrial opportunities, particularly in sectors where hydrogen can reduce emissions. The funding, part of an $80 million allocation for critical minerals projects, aligns with the Hydrogen Action Plan to diversify energy solutions and enhance economic resilience.
Tags: Shane Jones Aspiring Materials Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund Hydrogen Green Hydrogen New Zealand Regional Development Hydrogen Action Plan Critical Minerals Energy InnovationChatham Islands Boost Connectivity with $15.5M Wharf, Fuel & Air Upgrades
1 week ago | 193 viewsThe New Zealand government is investing over $15 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade critical wharf and fuel infrastructure on the Chatham Islands and expand air travel connectivity through an interlining agreement between Air Chathams and Air New Zealand. These improvements include major wharf repairs, upgraded fuel facilities to support a new supply vessel, and enhanced airport infrastructure, culminating in the new terminal at Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport as part of a broader $45 million investment since 2018. These projects aim to strengthen the islands’ economic sustainability, improve transportation reliability, and support essential services such as healthcare, tourism, and business growth.
Tags: Shane Jones Mark Patterson Inia William Tuuta Air Chathams Air New Zealand Chatham Islands Crown Infrastructure Delivery Kaingaroa Wharf Regional Development Minister Associate Regional Development MinisterFast-Track Approval Boosts Hananui Aquaculture Project and NZ Economy
2 weeks ago | 166 viewsThe Hananui Aquaculture Project off Stewart Island, the first aquaculture venture approved through New Zealand's Fast-track process, is expected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon annually, generating over $310 million in sales and creating up to 480 jobs. This approval aligns with government efforts to support Māori commercial aquaculture and aims to boost the sector towards a $3 billion annual revenue target by 2035 through large-scale open-ocean farming. The Fast-track process, which has approved 31 projects so far, accelerates development timelines, supporting regional growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable seafood production.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Ngāi Tahu Seafood Resources Limited Hananui Aquaculture Project Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act New Zealand salmon farms Aquaculture Development Plan SouthlandIndependent 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 policyGovernment Funds $200K Agri Futures Program to Support At-Risk Youth in NZ
2 weeks ago | 200 viewsThe NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, matched by the Trust for a total of $200,000, to run a ten-week ‘Agri Futures Pathways’ pilot program for at-risk youth aged 12 to 24 in the lower North Island. The program offers hands-on workshops in rural industry skills such as sheep shearing, quadbike safety, and horticulture, and supports participation in the national Clash of the Colleges competition. This initiative aims to engage young people with education and career opportunities in the primary sector, aligning with government goals to fund programs demonstrating successful outcomes.
Tags: James Meager NZ Rural Games Trust Youth Development Partnership Agri Futures Pathways Clash of the Colleges primary industries rural workforce agriculture horticulture Ministry of Youth DevelopmentNew Amendments Boost NZ Infrastructure Funding to Support Housing Growth
4 weeks ago | 323 viewsThe Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed today enhances the existing Act by simplifying processes, broadening eligible projects, and allowing operational costs to be funded through levies, addressing previous barriers that limited its use. This legislation enables private investment to fund essential infrastructure, such as roads and water services, with repayments made via levies on benefiting properties, thereby supporting housing growth and economic development. The changes aim to accelerate infrastructure delivery, provide greater certainty for developers, and ensure that growth is sustainably funded, aligning with the Government’s broader Going for Housing Growth programme.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill New Zealand Housing Growth Milldale development New Zealand Transport Agency KiwiRail National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Environment CommitteeNew Waitangi Tribunal Members Nick Wells and Rick Witana Appointed
4 weeks ago | 276 viewsMāori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the appointments of Nick Wells and Rick Witana to the Waitangi Tribunal, replacing Dr Paul Hamer and Basil Morrison, who are stepping down after long service. Wells and Witana bring extensive expertise in governance, law, Iwi leadership, and Crown–Māori relationships, enhancing the Tribunal's work. Both new members will serve three-year terms, with Wells succeeding Hamer and Witana succeeding Morrison.
Tags: Tama Potaka Nick Wells Rick Witana Paul Hamer Basil Morrison Waitangi Tribunal Ngāpuhi UNICEF Aotearoa Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri Māori Development