Minister Brooke van Velden has asked the Department of Internal Affairs to look into whether there are better ways to fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand [FENZ] than the current insurance levy system. “95% of Fire and Emergency’s income is collected from levies on property insurance protecting against the risk of fire. The Fire Service levy was introduced in 1975 and, despite changes to the core services FENZ delivers, is still the funding model used today,” says Ms van Velden. “TheFire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 added a number of non-fire related functions for FENZ to perform, such …

The environmental impacts of a former mine site on conservation land in the Marlborough Sounds are being investigated for remediation, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced today. “The Endeavour Inlet site was mined for antimony, a metal used in a range of industrial applications, between the 1870s and early 1900s, leaving waste rock behind in parts of the site,” Ms Grigg says. The Ministry for the Environment and Department of Conservation (DOC) are each contributing $232,000 to the two-year project, enabling DOC to undertake a detailed site inves…

The Government has released its formal response to the independent National Infrastructure Plan, setting out how it will respond to the Infrastructure Commission’s sixteen recommendations. “Delivering and maintaining better infrastructure is a key part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future New Zealanders both need and deserve. “The Commission’s National Infrastructure Plan, released in February, sets out a 30-year view of how New Zealand can improve the way it plans, funds, maintains and delivers infrastructure. “The release of the Plan in February was a sobering w…

More than 150 outdated and obsolete laws are likely to be repealed as part of the Government’s statutory spring clean, Attorney-General Chris Bishop says. The legislative cleanup is being run in stages led by the Parliamentary Counsel Office, alongside the Department of Internal Affairs for local Acts. To date, 152 outdated Acts have been identified for repeal. “Part of being a responsible Government focused on fixing the basics is making sure New Zealand’s laws are fit for purpose,” Mr Bishop says. “New Zealand’s statute book is full of fascinating relics from another era. “Some are histo…

The Government has introduced legislation to change New Zealand’s outdated environmental reporting regime and improve decision-making on the country’s environmental considerations. “This legislation will strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of our environmental reporting, and give decision-makers and the public clearer, more useful information about the state of New Zealand’s environment,” Environment Minister Nicola Grigg says. The changes involve amending the Environmental Reporting Act 2015, to improve data quality, make information more accessible, relevant and timely. “These cha…

Thousands of tonnes of concrete from construction and demolition works will be diverted from landfill in Bay of Plenty and Canterbury each year following a funding boost from the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF), Environment Minister Nicola Grigg announced today. National waste concrete processor Envirocon has received almost $700,000 from the Fund to process around 38,000 tonnes of additional waste concrete annually at a new Tauranga operation and an expanded Christchurch facility. “This investment will support increased recycling of concrete waste and reduce the amount of material being sent …

The Government has approved two-year extensions for five existing international New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployments, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Chris Penk announced today. “For years, New Zealand has worked with our partners to contribute to international peace and security efforts. As the global security situation continues to deteriorate, we are committed to continuing our longstanding efforts to promote stability in our region and beyond because New Zealand’s prosperity relies on our success,” Mr Peters says. “These deployments will see more than 100 NZD…

Dargaville residents now have better access to healthcare closer to home, with new acute care and local cancer treatment available in the community, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "Everyone deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, no matter where they live. These changes will make it easier for people in Dargaville and the wider Kaipara community to get the care they need closer to home," Mr Brown says. "From today, a new acute care service is operating in Dargaville from 8:00am to 8:30pm, seven days a week. This will significantly improve access to urgent healthcare and reduce the…

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand welcomes the announcement of the acceptance of the United States – Iran Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. “This pivotal, constructive deal is a step towards reducing tensions and promoting stability in a region that is critical to global economic security. “The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has had serious impacts on New Zealand’s economy, as well as on our Pacific partners,” Mr Peters says. “We welcome steps that will enable the safe reopening of this vital maritime route and restore confidence…

New data out today shows tourism is continuing its positive trajectory, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. Stats NZ data out today shows 288,500 international visitors came to New Zealand in April 2026 – up 8 per cent on the same period last year, and 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. It also reported a record number of visitors from the United States (25,800, up 14 per cent on the same time last year), Australia (138,000, up 4 per cent) and India (8,000, up 17 per cent). Visitor numbers from China also reached 32,500, up 52 per cent compared to the same time last year. …

New Zealand’s forestry sector is set to benefit from sensible regulation to help meet environmental obligations whilst lowering the cost of compliance, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “The wood and forestry industries are important contributors to New Zealand’s economy, supporting 42,000 jobs. Last year the sector contributed $6.2 billion worth of export earnings,” Mr McClay says. “It’s prudent we set appropriate legislation and provide the tools that support the sector – and this Government has been fixing the basics to do exactly that.” Recent action from the Government includes: “Th…

A partnership between the Government and the forestry and wood processing sector will result in the new ‘NZ Pine’ brand, strengthening New Zealand’s position as a premium, trusted supplier of wood products, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “Global customers now expect more than quality timber - they want to understand where their products come from, and how they perform. “New Zealand timber is traded from sustainably managed forests to global markets. Trust adds value, and NZ Pine will deliver it. “Under the new brand, there will be a single, recognisable identity for New Zealand’s purpo…

New Zealand's small businesses are getting a boost of AI-powered support to unlock new growth opportunities with new Government funding announced today, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer says. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and every one of them has untapped potential to grow. That's why I'm delighted to allocate and announce this funding today," Mr Brewer says. "This is about giving them the same smart, data-driven insight the big players have always had, without the big-player price tag. The investment backs two initiatives putting practical,…

A partnership between Government and industry will help turn New Zealand strong wool into high-value cutting-edge products and boost returns for growers, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson announced at Fieldays today. Through the Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF), the Government is contributing $8 million to the $20 million project led by Wool Source Manufacturing Limited to scale up production of wool-derived particles, powders and pigments for use in products such as inks, 3D printing materials, personal care, bioplastics and textiles. “This …

Good evening, everyone. Thank you to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs for the invitation to deliver this year's annual lecture. It’s a pleasure to be here. I would like to acknowledge NZIIA Patron and former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests. I would also like to acknowledge the outgoing members of the NZIIA Board, Dr James Kember and Suzannah Jessep and new board members Rosemary Banks and Dr Julia Macdonald. The NZIIA has been asking hard questions about New Zealand's place in the world for over seventy years. Toni…

Ka nui te mihi kia koutou, and good afternoon, everyone. Today has been officially billed as a pre-Budget speech and I’ll touch on the Budget, and our priorities this year, a little later on. But, in a more volatile world, and off the back of a recent trip to Singapore, I’d like to take the opportunity to speak to you today on a bigger, broader topic, both in my capacity as Prime Minister and as National Party leader. I’d like to speak to you today about where New Zealand stands in a more volatile world – a world that’s changing quickly and becoming less predictable, and how we need to adap…

The Point Mission Bay retirement village project in Aucklandhas been granted Fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. This is the 24thproject to be approved under the Fast-track process. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited, in partnership with Generus Living Group, lodged a substantive application in November 2025 to construct and operate an integrated retirement village and associated infrastructure in Mission Bay, Auckland. The site spans Kupe Street, Te Arawa Street, Rukutai Street and Aotea Street. Approva…

Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of 4 new District Court Judges. The appointees will take up their roles in July and October, filling vacancies at the Dunedin, Timaru and Auckland Courts. Those taking up appointment to the District Court are: Mr Casey has over 25 years’ experience in Family Law, including childcare disputes, relationship property, elderly care and mental health law. His experience encompasses relationship property matters, family protections claims, care of children, relocation, Hague convention proceedings, Mental Health Law and Elder Welfare…

Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.“These awards, now in their second year, highlight how native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver strong environmental and economic outcomes,” Mr McClay says.“Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, to stabilise hillsides and safeguard waterways. “With 67 entries, the awards show what’s achievable when enthusiasm for native forests meets local knowledge - from farm…

The Government is supporting the next generation of young farmers, growers, and rural leaders by backing NZ Young Farmers’ national network of clubs, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “NZ Young Farmers do a huge amount of good in rural communities. We want to support their efforts to help them do even more,” Mr McClay says. The Government is committing $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 young farmers clubs across the country. “The funding will help back the important work of small volunteer committees which drive organisation, membership, and event planning a…