Articles tagged with Security
New Zealand’s Food Safety Minister Leads APEC Efforts on Regional Food Security
1 day ago | 74 viewsFood Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing New Zealand at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in China, which focuses on regional cooperation to address food security challenges and promote sustainable, resilient food systems. The forum brings together 21 member economies to share policies, enhance trade, and collaborate on innovation, climate resilience, and supply chain stability. New Zealand emphasizes its commitment to open trade and access to safe, nutritious food while engaging in bilateral meetings with business stakeholders during the visit.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister New Zealand APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting Asia Pacific food security sustainable agriculture economic cooperation tradeNew $1.5M Grant Supports Kiwi Poultry Operators Against H5 Bird Flu Risks
1 week ago | 291 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of biosecurity plans, aiming to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the domestic food supply ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the government emphasizes strong biosecurity as a key defense and encourages applications by 30 September 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant fundingNew $1.5M Poultry Biosecurity Grant to Help Kiwis Prepare for H5 Bird Flu
1 week ago | 331 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of costs for biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of required biosecurity plans ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the initiative aims to protect jobs, food supply, and the poultry sector from this ongoing biosecurity threat.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant fundingNew Petroleum Mining Permit Boosts NZ Gas Supply and Oil Exports
1 week ago | 200 viewsNew Zealand has granted a 10-year petroleum mining permit to Matahio NZ Onshore Limited for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to increase domestic natural gas supply and generate export revenue from oil production. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector, with estimated recoverable reserves supporting energy security amid declining gas supplies. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the importance of a diverse energy system combining responsible resource development, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable and reliable energy.
Tags: Shane Jones Matahio NZ Onshore Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Puka field Oru prospect Taranaki petroleum mining permit natural gas oil production energy securityNew Petroleum Mining Permit in Taranaki Boosts NZ Gas and Oil Supply
1 week ago | 223 viewsNew Zealand has granted Matahio NZ Onshore Limited a 10-year petroleum mining permit for the Puka field in Taranaki, expected to add natural gas to the domestic market and generate valuable oil export earnings. The permit highlights growing momentum in the petroleum sector amid declining gas reserves, with gas remaining critical for electricity generation and industrial use alongside renewable energy. Resources Minister Shane Jones emphasizes that responsible resource development, combined with investment in renewables and emerging technologies, is essential for a resilient, affordable, and secure energy system.
Tags: Shane Jones Matahio NZ Onshore Limited New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Puka field Oru prospect Taranaki petroleum mining permit natural gas oil production energy security$1 Million Fund Launched to Support Community Wilding Pine Control in NZ
2 weeks ago | 203 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced a new $1 million, two-year community funding programme to support grassroots wilding pine control projects, supplementing a $109 million national investment over three years. Wilding pines threaten farmland, water supplies, native biodiversity, and increase wildfire risks, making both national coordination and local action essential. Expressions of interest for the funding will open later this year to empower volunteers, landowners, and community groups in controlling infestations.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Wilding Pine Conference Biosecurity Minister National Wilding Conifer Control Programme wilding pine control community funding programme New Zealand rural landowners biodiversity wildfiresNew Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit Granted in Taranaki Basin, NZ
3 weeks ago | 278 viewsNew Zealand has granted its first new offshore petroleum exploration permit since reversing the ban, awarding Australian company EnZed Energy a 12-year permit for a 546 sq km area east of the Kupe gas field in the Taranaki Basin. This move signals renewed investor confidence and aims to address declining natural gas reserves, which have dropped 23% to the lowest level in over two decades, emphasizing the importance of exploration for future energy security. The government highlights that natural gas remains crucial for electricity generation and industry, and exploration is essential to assess New Zealand’s remaining resource potential.
Tags: Shane Jones EnZed Energy New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals Kupe gas field Taranaki Basin Kaheru prospect Coalition Government petroleum exploration natural gas energy securityNew Biosecurity Regulations to Protect Poultry Farmers from H5 Bird Flu Risks
4 weeks ago | 341 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry farms with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm-specific plans, record-keeping, and audits to protect livelihoods and food supply. These regulations, approved by Cabinet and developed with industry cooperation, aim to enhance on-farm readiness and provide flexibility in managing infection risks while ensuring humane practices. The new rules, supported by industry feedback, will be implemented by the end of 2026 to safeguard poultry, trade, wildlife, and public health.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsNew Biosecurity Rules to Help Poultry Farmers Manage H5 Bird Flu Risks
4 weeks ago | 424 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry operators with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm biosecurity plans, record-keeping, audits, and clear response strategies. These regulations aim to enhance on-farm readiness, protect farmers' livelihoods, secure the domestic food supply, and mitigate risks from widespread infection in wild birds. Developed in collaboration with industry and supported by MPI, the regulations will be finalized and implemented by the end of 2026.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsGovernment Launches AI Tool to Modernise New Zealand's Import Health Standards
1 month ago | 351 viewsThe New Zealand Government is developing and piloting a new AI tool to modernize the import health standard process while maintaining strict biosecurity protections. This tool aims to streamline the creation of biosecurity rules for imported goods, freeing up staff time and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based standards without compromising safety. The broader reform program seeks to reduce red tape, support farmers and growers, and enhance export growth by enabling smarter approvals and fewer unnecessary restrictions.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity AI tool import health standards generative artificial intelligence plant import system trade innovation farmgate returns food and fibre sectorNew Zealand Invites Public Feedback on Digital Driver Licence Design
1 month ago | 326 viewsNew Zealand is advancing digital drivers’ licences, with public consultation underway to design a secure, privacy-focused system that offers a convenient alternative to physical licences. The government aims to create a simpler, integrated transport service allowing users to manage their licences and receive information online, emphasizing user confidence and optional adoption. Legislation enabling these changes has passed, and feedback is being sought over four weeks to ensure the system is safe, trusted, and widely accepted.
Tags: James Meager Paul Goldsmith digital drivers’ licences New Zealand Transport Agency public consultation digital driver licence verification Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act privacy security New ZealandFirst H5 Bird Flu Case Detected in New Zealand Seabird; Public Advised to Stay Alert
1 month ago | 331 viewsA brown skua found on Petone beach in Wellington tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza strain, marking New Zealand's first detection of this globally circulating bird flu, though there is no evidence of wider spread or poultry infection. Authorities, including MPI and the Department of Conservation, are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to report groups of sick or dead birds without handling them, while continuing biosecurity measures and vaccination programs for endangered native birds. New Zealand remains prepared to protect poultry production and wildlife, emphasizing that eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat and maintaining ongoing surveillance and industry collaboration.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Health New Zealand Poultry Council kākāpō takahē kakī kākāriki karakaInnovative Submersible Dredge Planer Tackles Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed in NZ
1 month ago | 372 viewsThe submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Johnson Brothers Ltd Northland Regional Council Biosecurity New Zealand Cawthron Institute Ngāti Kuta Patukeha Omākiwi Cove Bay of Islands Number 8 wireNew Zealand and India Elevate Ties with Strategic Partnership and Trade Deal
1 month ago | 439 viewsPrime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi elevated New Zealand-India relations to a Strategic Partnership, agreeing on a Roadmap to 2030 aimed at doubling two-way trade and enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, technology, maritime security, education, tourism, and agriculture. Central to this plan is the implementation of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, which will reduce tariffs on most exports and unlock new opportunities in a market of 1.4 billion people. The partnership also includes strengthened maritime security cooperation and new arrangements in sport, tourism, and agriculture, marking Modi's first visit to New Zealand in 40 years.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Narendra Modi New Zealand India Strategic Partnership Free Trade Agreement Roadmap 2030 maritime security tradeNew Support for 1300 NZ Defence Veterans of Maritime Security Operations
1 month ago | 420 viewsDefence veterans who served in maritime security operations around the Middle East and East Africa will receive health, rehabilitation, and financial support for deployment-related conditions, covering service periods from 1991 to 2026. Their efforts in disrupting drug smuggling and protecting shipping routes have been crucial to New Zealand’s regional security and economic prosperity. Veterans Minister Chris Penk emphasized the government’s commitment to valuing and supporting veterans’ wellbeing now and in the future.
Tags: Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force Veterans Minister Operational Service Maritime Area Tahi Defence veterans maritime security drug smuggling health support rehabilitation financial support