Articles tagged with Employment
Manufacturing Regulations Simplified for Safety and Efficiency
1 week ago | 201 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting with manufacturers, such as wood processors, bakers, and millers, to simplify machine guarding rules and review exposure standards in the manufacturing sector. The proposed changes aim to align standards with real-world risks and international benchmarks, addressing concerns about clarity and compliance burden. The review will also consider updating Workplace Exposure Standards for substances like wood dust and flour dust to ensure practicality and alignment with safety measures, aiming to reduce costs and stress for businesses.
Tags: Brooke van Velden manufacturers Workplace Relations and Safety Minister wood processors bakers millers WorkSafe inspectors Health and Safety in Employment Regulations Workplace Exposure Standards Mr SeymourGovernment Pauses Major Changes to Building Code System for Certainty in Construction Sector
1 week ago | 170 viewsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced a pause on major changes to the Building Code system to provide stability and clarity for the building sector amidst disruptions from the pandemic and supply chain challenges. The government aims to implement a predictable three-year cycle for updates, allowing businesses to plan ahead and invest with confidence. While major changes will be paused, updates related to life safety, energy efficiency, Building Product Specifications, and fire safety will continue, supporting economic growth and productivity improvements in the building sector.
Tags: Government Building sector Building Code system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Builders Designers DevelopersOver 80,700 People Transition from Benefit to Work in Past Year, Reveals Social Development Minister
2 weeks ago | 211 viewsOver 80,700 individuals transitioned from benefits to employment in the past year, reflecting the government's focus on facilitating job opportunities despite economic challenges. While the total number of beneficiaries has increased, particularly in Jobseeker Support, this aligns with seasonal trends and the government's efforts to provide enhanced support services for job seekers. Initiatives such as increased case management, community job coaching, and regular work seminars aim to assist individuals in securing and maintaining employment, with a focus on transitioning people off welfare and into work during the economic recovery period.
Tags: Louise Upston MSD benefit job seekers employment New Zealanders main benefit Social Development economic conditions case managementGovernment Focuses on Jobseeker Beneficiaries in Employment Programs for Next Three Years
3 weeks ago | 204 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights the Government's focus on jobseeker beneficiaries in upcoming employment programs. The Ministry of Social Development's updated strategy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing beneficiaries for job placements. Efforts include targeted support for young people to reduce long-term reliance on benefits and increase employment opportunities.
Tags: Jobseeker beneficiaries Government Employment programmes Minister Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Young people Frontline staff Employment case management New Zealand.New Zealand's Employment Relations Bill: Boosting Business Confidence and Worker Opportunities
3 weeks ago | 303 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden applauds the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, emphasizing its significance in fostering business confidence and employment opportunities. The bill will now undergo review by the Education and Workforce Select Committee to gather public feedback on proposed changes. Key provisions of the legislation aim to clarify employment arrangements, simplify the grievance process, and enhance flexibility in negotiations between employers and employees.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations Safety Minister Employment Relations Amendment Bill New Zealand businesses workers contracting arrangements personal grievance process Select Committee genuine contracting relationshipsNew Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
1 month ago | 518 viewsOverly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size.
Tags: insulation rules designers builders homeowners Chris Penk energy efficiency Building Code Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Far NorthBoosting Employment: Minister Louise Upston Leads Regional Events to Get Kiwis Into Jobs and Grow the Economy
1 month ago | 615 viewsSocial Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a strong turnout for the first in a series of regional employment events reinforces a cross-sector commitment to get Kiwis into jobs, boost employment and grow the economy. Kicking off the MSD-led series in Levin, Minister Upston and officials met with representatives of around 30 employers and other stakeholders, reinforcing job opportunities across the Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast regions. “It was great to attend this event, acknowledge the commitment of MSD and recognise the partnership with local employers,” Louise Upston says.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Development Employment Minister MSD Kiwis Jobseeker Benefit Horowhenua Kāpiti Coast New Zealanders GisborneNew Jobseeker Support Policy: Reapply Every 26 Weeks for Improved Accountability and Employment Opportunities
1 month ago | 373 viewsFrom today, people getting Jobseeker Support will need to reapply every 26 weeks (six months), instead of just once a year, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “This previously signalled change increases accountability, while also improving opportunities for jobseekers,” Louise Upston says. “Reapplying for their benefit more often makes sure people receiving Jobseeker Support engage with MSD more regularly.
Tags: Development and employment Louise upstonNew Employment Law Allows Employers to Deduct Pay During Partial Strikes for Fairer Bargaining
1 month ago | 417 viewsThe Government has passed a change to the Employment Relations Act that reinstates the ability for employers to make pay deductions during partial strikes – making the system fairer for all, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. “These changes will help both employers and unions to return to the bargaining table and restores the law to what it was before the previous government removed this option in 2018. “I acknowledge the right of workers to strike in support of their collective bargaining claims, the right to strike remains,” says Ms van Velden.
Tags: Brooke van v Defence Employment relations act Workplace relations and safetyGovernment Funds 46 Innovative Research Projects Driving Economic Growth in New Zealand
1 month ago | 380 viewsThe Government has reinforced its commitment to science-led economic growth by funding 46 high-potential research projects, says Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The projects will be funded by the contestable Endeavour Fund, which invests in research that unlocks new knowledge, technologies, and capabilities. The Smart Ideas stream of the fund targets bold, high-risk projects by catalysing and rapidly testing promising, innovative research.
Tags: Endeavour fund Medtech Ministry of business innovation and employment New zealand Science innovation and technology Shane re Smart ideasNew Legislation Ensures Fair Treatment of Boarder and Rental Payments for Housing Subsidies
1 month ago | 402 viewsLegislation fixing the inconsistent treatment of boarder and rental payments has been passed into law in Parliament today. The Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Bill and the supporting legislation of the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill has addressed the inconsistent treatment of board and rent payments around housing subsidies. “This has been an unnecessarily complicated and confusing system,” says Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston.
Tags: Amendment bill Louise upston Mandatory reviews Related rent Social assistance legislation Social development and employment Social security Social securitydatory reviews SulementNew Certification scheme unlocks $200M market for Kiwi cosmetics in China
1 month ago | 344 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy. “This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says. “It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Tags: Chinese Commerce and consumer affairs Good manufacturing practice Government International aitation new zealand Ministry of business innovation and employment New zealand Scott simpson Shanghai Simpson Todd mcclay ZealandNew Bill to boost labour market flexibility
1 month ago | 356 viewsWorkplace 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 safetyIncreases to paid parental leave rates to help families
1 month ago | 308 viewsNew parents can expect more support to take time away from work to care for their children from 1 July, with an increase to the maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave up from $754. 87 to $788. 66 per week, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.
Tags: Brooke van velden Employment Employment new zealand Paal leave Place relations and safety Protection act