Articles tagged with Ministry
Transforming New Zealand's Import Health Standards for Enhanced Efficiency and Biosecurity Protection
6 days ago | 232 viewsThe New Zealand Government is modernizing the import health system to reduce the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining strong biosecurity protections. A regulatory efficiency program is underway, utilizing generative artificial intelligence to streamline the IHS development process. Pilot projects, such as the reform of the Plant Nursery Stock import system, aim to provide faster approvals for imported goods and support growth and productivity while safeguarding biosecurity.
Tags: Government New Zealand Import Health Standards Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard regulatory framework artificial intelligence Ministry for Primary Industries MPINew Legislation Enhancing Early Childhood Education Regulation for Child Safety and Clarity
6 days ago | 208 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has introduced new legislation to clarify the purpose of regulating early childhood education (ECE) and shift enforcement responsibilities to the Education Review Office (ERO) from the Ministry of Education. The Early Childhood Education Reform Bill prioritizes child safety, aims to reduce regulatory burden on ECE providers, and ensure consistent application of regulations nationwide. The reforms include creating a Director of Regulation, establishing key principles for ECE oversight, and streamlining processes to support high-quality ECE centers and enhance parental choice.
Tags: David Seymour Education Minister legislation early childhood education ECE Education Review Office Ministry of Education child safety regulations Director of RegulationGovernment's Initiative to Reduce Excise on Heated Tobacco Products for Smoking Cessation
1 week ago | 154 viewsAssociate Health Minister Casey Costello highlighted that the Government's reduction in excise on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) aims to help more people quit smoking. The focus is on promoting public health by encouraging smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives like HTPs. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the impact of the excise change and has set up an expert advisory group to enhance regulations on all nicotine and tobacco products.
Tags: Government Heated Tobacco Products Smoking Casey Costello Ayesha Verrall Treasury Excise Duty Ministry of Health HTPs VapingGovernment Pauses Major Changes to Building Code System for Certainty in Construction Sector
1 week ago | 179 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 DevelopersNew Technology to Clamp Cars of Court Fine Evaders in Trial
1 week ago | 291 viewsThe Government, led by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, is implementing new technology to clamp and seize cars of individuals evading court fines. Bailiffs are utilizing handheld devices to scan parked cars for overdue fines, with non-compliant vehicles facing clamping or towing. This initiative aims to enforce payment of court fines and reparations, prioritizing the needs of victims and enhancing law and order enforcement efforts.
Tags: Government technology court fines Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith bailiffs handheld devices wheel clamping victims Ministry of JusticeGovernment Unveils Plan to Combat Rising Homelessness Crisis in New Zealand
2 weeks ago | 280 viewsThe Government released the latest Homelessness Insights Report, addressing the issue of homelessness in New Zealand and the increasing numbers of people without shelter. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka emphasized the need for targeted interventions and support services to combat homelessness, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the importance of engaging with frontline organizations. The Government is committed to long-term solutions, including reforms in the housing market, infrastructure funding, and social housing systems to address the root causes of homelessness and provide stable housing for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Government Homelessness Insights Report New Zealand Housing Minister Chris Bishop Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Auckland City Mission Salvation Army Emergency Housing Transitional HousingNew Zealand Government Establishes School Property Agency for Safe and Sustainable Learning Environments
2 weeks ago | 285 viewsThe Government is establishing the New Zealand School Property Agency to address issues in the school property system, including high costs, delays, and inefficiencies. The agency will be a separate entity responsible for planning, building, and maintaining school properties, allowing the Ministry of Education to focus on education policy. The new agency aims to improve project delivery, transparency, and value for money in managing the school property portfolio, with a dedicated board overseeing informed investment decisions.
Tags: Government School Property Agency Kiwi kids Education Minister Erica Stanford Ministry of Education New Zealand School Property Agency Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop Ministerial Advisory Group Murray McCully Mark BinnsNew Zealand Government's Commitment to Disability Rights: UNCRPD Recommendations and Progress Updates
2 weeks ago | 363 viewsThe Government, led by Disability Minister Louise Upston, is taking steps to enhance the rights of disabled individuals in alignment with international obligations, as announced publicly. Cabinet in New Zealand has agreed on an approach to address 63 recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with details on the recommendations, actions by government agencies, and progress tracking now accessible on the Human Rights Monitor. Multiple agencies are working on 30 recommendations, while 17 are under consideration by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, and an additional 16 recommendations are noted for potential reconsideration by the Government, as efforts continue to drive tangible improvements for the disabled community.
Tags: Government disabled people international obligations human rights United Nations recommendations agencies Ministry of Disabled People New Zealand Disability Strategy Ministerial Disability Leadership GroupGovernment Focuses on Jobseeker Beneficiaries in Employment Programs for Next Three Years
3 weeks ago | 207 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 Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
1 month ago | 521 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 NorthHealthy School Lunch Programme: Positive Feedback Soars, Complaints Plummet, Taxpayer Savings of $130 Million
1 month ago | 337 viewsAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased to see the Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu has received positive feedback from three quarters of students, and complaints have fallen by 92 per cent, while at the same time taxpayers are saving over $130 million. “The menu for Term 3 is being tested with students across the lower North Island. The result is 73 per cent positive feedback.
Tags: David Seymour Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu students taxpayers meals feedback schools Ministry savingsGovernment Facilitates Support for Flood-Affected Farmers in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough Regions
1 month ago | 430 viewsThe Government today classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say. “Last week’s deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris,” Mr McClay says. “The Government is making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust.
Tags: Farmers Mark patterson Marlborough Mayoral relief fund Metservice Ministry for primary industries On farm support Patterson Rural communities Rural support trust Taskforce green Todd mcclay Top of the south rural support trustGovernment 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 Prescribing Changes for ADHD Treatment in New Zealand: Minister Doocey Welcomes Faster Access to Care
1 month ago | 476 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed prescribing changes that will enable GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “I applaud Pharmac and Medsafe’s decision to widen prescribing rules for ADHD medicines from next February, this decision will give New Zealanders faster access to assessments and treatment,” Mr Doocey says. “This is a common-sense change that will make a meaningful difference in many lives of New Zealanders.
Tags: Matt doocey Mental health Ministry of health New zealand Pharmac and medsafeNew Zealand announces further aid for Ukraine
1 month ago | 433 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have announced a new $16 million package of support for Ukraine ahead of this week’s NATO Summit in the Hague. “New Zealand stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Its war of self-defence is well into its fourth year and our condemnation of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion remains undiminished,” Mr Luxon says.
Tags: Christopher luxon Drone coalition for ukraine Euro - atlantic Indo - pacific Ministry of foreign affairs and trade Nato security assistance and training for ukraine Nato summit New zealand Ukraine Ukrainian United kingdom Winston peters