Four new appointments and two reappointments have been made to the Medical Council of New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. The four new members of the Council are Dr Derek Sherwood, Dr Manoja Kalupahana, Dr Roderick Mulgan, and Andie Cook, Mr Brown says. Dr Kenneth Clark and Dr Hinamaha Lutui have been reappointed as health practitioner members. “I acknowledge outgoing members Dr Rachelle Love, David Ivory, Simon Watt, and Dr Charles Hornabrook, and thank them for their contribution to the Council,” Mr Brown says. “I also recognise Dr Clark’s ongoing contribution since he was el…

The opening of the new SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover bridge is an important milestone for the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 Road of National Significance project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is a significant investment in the western Bay of Plenty. The new 6.8km four-lane expressway will support economic growth and productivity by providing a more reliable, resilient and safer connection for road users and freight operators between Tauranga and Te Puna,” Mr Bishop says. “The flyover bridge opening to traffic today is part of the major interchange …

Gisborne's rugby community celebrated the completion of the John Heikell Grandstand at Rugby Park redevelopment today, marking the return of one of East Coast Tairāwhiti's most iconic sporting venues and a significant achievement for the region. Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson joined Gisborne locals today to celebrate the reopening of the revitalised facility. “Since opening in 1955, Rugby Park is one of New Zealand's historic provincial rugby grounds. It has hosted legendary touring sides including the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions, and the ground has been …

The Government is developing and testing a new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process while maintaining New Zealand's world-class biosecurity protections, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. "Import health standards set the biosecurity rules goods must meet before entering New Zealand. They manage risks from plant, animal, and biological products." "The way we develop these standards has not kept pace with modern trade and innovation. We are improving the system so it can move safely and faster, without compromising biosecurity." That work includes designing and testi…

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the reappointment of Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod as Deputy Chair and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM as a Board member of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. The appointments are for a three-year term commencing on 2 September 2026 and provide continuity for Te Taura Whiri as it continues its work to revitalise and promote te reo Māori. "These reappointments ensure Te Taura Whiri continues to benefit from experienced leadership and strong governance," Mr Potaka says. "Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand each bring …

The opening of the new pedestrian bridge at Glen Innes train station today marks a step forward in replacing rail level crossings to unlock the benefits of City Rail Link, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simon Watts. New pedestrian bridges at Te Mahia and Takanini will also be completed over the coming month, marking the first stage of a programme to replace rail level crossings and prepare Auckland’s rail network for more frequent train services. Construction of the pedestrian bridges began in September 2025 after the Government and Auckland Council brought forwar…

Psychology Assistant students are training in New Zealand classrooms for the first time, marking a major milestone in growing the mental health workforce. The first graduates are set to enter the workforce next year, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. "Today is a landmark moment. These students are the first to train for a brand-new role that will help more New Zealanders get faster access to mental health support, while creating a new career pathway for psychology graduates," Mr Doocey says. "We know that every year many psychology graduates miss out on the limited number of postgradu…

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has today announced the reappointment of David Smol and the appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. “David Smol’s wide-ranging regulatory, governance and public sector experience will continue to provide valuable oversight to the NZTA Board,” Mr Bishop says. “Lana Stockman brings a diverse professional background across finance, engineering, psychology and regulation. “Her understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and operators in New Zealand and Australia will…

Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointment of Auckland Barrister and Solicitor Edward David (Ed) Crook as a Judge of the High Court. Justice Crook graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (in Law) (achieving First Class Honours in his final year) in 1992, and completed the Law Society Finals (First Class) in 1993. He started his career as a trainee with Herbert Smith in London in 1994, qualifying in 1996 and then working in the firm's property team. In 1999 he emigrated to New Zealand with his family, joining Russell McVeagh. After an initial perio…

The Government is making a contribution of $50,000 to the Kaikōura Mayoral Relief Fund, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell announced today. “Kaikōura was hard hit by heavy rainfall in early July, resulting in widespread flooding, landslides, road closures and damage to homes and infrastructure. “My thoughts are with everyone who was impacted. This event caused significant disruption across the district and recovery is ongoing. “This contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund has been made in response to a request from Kaikōura District Council and will help meet commu…

Construction has begun on the final 500-metre section of the Eastern Busway, a project that will deliver more reliable and efficient transport choice for Aucklanders. The full Eastern Busway rapid transit corridor runs from Panmure to Botany, and the final section will connect Ti Rakau Drive to the Te Irirangi Drive/Te Koha Road intersection. A 600-metre shared path through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve will also extend walking and cycling connections in the area. “Today marks a major milestone for Auckland’s transport network. When the Eastern Busway fully opens in 2027, it will connect Botan…