#new-zealand

Further changes to a Bill aimed at strengthening the Local Government Act to support councils’ focus on core services and improving systems have been introduced to the House today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. Progress will this week be made through the House on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill. Several amendments are being made, including to support council-controlled water organisation borrowing and ensure a smoother transition to the new system for co…

The Government will change the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to ensure councils can set appropriate development contributions that reflect the growth-related infrastructure costs associated with Fast-track projects, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say. “Fast-track is helping desperately needed housing, infrastructure, energy and investment projects move through the consenting system without being bogged down in u…

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop today announced $3.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to replace Albert Burn Bridge on State Highway 6 (SH6) in Otago. Mr Jones says reliable infrastructure is essential to Otago's economy. “Regional economies cannot grow without dependable infrastructure. Businesses need to get their goods to market, visitors need to reach their destinations, and communities need connections they can count on,” Mr…

Investment of $1 million is set to enhance Northland's Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, improving the visitor experience, upgrading visitor facilities, and creating new cultural and tourism experiences, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “This investment will help the trail attract more domestic and international visitors to the region while supporting local businesses and jobs,” Louise Upston says. “Funding will enable improved trail infrastructure, better connections…

Up to $580,000 in one-off Government funding will help New Plymouth’s Roderique Hope Trust and the YMCA Taranaki to support people experiencing homelessness into stable housing across the Taranaki region, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The funding will enable Roderique Hope Trust to lead the Taranaki Housing Pathways Initiative across New Plymouth and South Taranaki, with YMCA Taranaki delivering targeted outreach in New Plymouth. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Our…

The Government is confirming its clear and ambitious course for the future of te reo Māori with the refresh of the Maihi Karauna strategy, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “Te reo Māori is a taonga and a defining part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity. This refreshed strategy is about ensuring the language is visible, valued and voiced.” The Maihi Karauna is the Crown’s strategy for Māori language revitalisation across government and wider society, working alongside the Maihi …

New Zealand tourism numbers are continuing to strengthen, with international visitor arrivals for July exceeding 2019 levels, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show 256,600 overseas visitor arrivals in July 2026, up 8.5 percent on July 2025 and surpassing July 2019 numbers. “As we work to grow our second-largest export, today’s data shows that international tourism is continuing to build momentum. More visitors are choosing Ne…

Patients at Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital are getting home faster, with better planning freeing up more than 1,500 bed nights over the past year, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "When a patient is well enough to leave, every extra night they spend on a ward is a night away from their family and their own routine. It also means that bed is not available for someone else who needs it," Mr Brown says. A bed night is a single night in a single hospital bed, so each one freed up…

The fight to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is entering a critical phase as warmer weather increases the risk of any surviving queens emerging from winter, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. The response has already destroyed 77 queens and 132 nests, with no hornets seen since April. “That’s encouraging, but we are not out of the woods yet. “If any mated queens survived winter, they may start emerging in the coming weeks to build new nests. “That is why we need Aucklan…

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has today announced the appointment of Susan O’Regan as Chair of the QEII National Trust Board. Queen Elizabeth II National Trustis an independent charitable trust which works alongside private landowners to protect open spaces of special significance through establishing and monitoring covenants. It plays a critical role in supporting landowners and protecting conservation values, encouraging private entities to protect nature for the benefit of Aotearoa New …

The Government will help improve the visitors’ experience to Kaikōura and support future tourism growth through an investment funded by the International Visitor Levy. The $835,000 investment will improve facilities and arrival experiences for cruise visitors, enhance public spaces used by both visitors and locals, and create a more welcoming gateway into the township, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “Kaikōura is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive visitor destinations, …

Waitlists for scans, colonoscopies, and heart tests have fallen sharply over the past year, with Health New Zealand exceeding the Government's delivery target for additional procedures to address long wait lists, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. Last year, the Government confirmed that it would deliver an additional 75,000 procedures across radiology, colonoscopy, cardiac, and colposcopy services. The results for that period are: "This is what happens when we set clear targets and accountabi…

Thank you all for joining us here today. Can I acknowledge the Prime Minister, the Minister for Rail, the Mayor of Auckland, my Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and Councillors – and those of you who have held those roles in the past. I want to especially recognise today the thousandsof tunnellers, engineers, electricians, specialists and planners, without who this project would not have been possible. The apprentices who came onto this project as school leavers and will walk of…

[11 September 2026, Te Waihorotiu Station, City Rail Link Official Opening] Welcome to the tunnel, and in the words of Johnny Cash: Thank you for the invitation to join you underground today in the brand-new City Rail Link. A special welcome to the new French Ambassador Francois Decoster, who presented his credentials on Wednesday. Now, we are here as Minister for Rail – the word “for” is deliberate. We are for rail. Our record is proof of that. Since 2019, the taxpayer has invested $2.4 bil…

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have confirmed appointments to the newly established Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC), an important step in strengthening Auckland’s transport governance. “The ARTC will play a critical role in aligning central and local government priorities and ensuring Auckland has a transport system that meets the needs of a growing city,” says Mr Bishop. “For too long, Auckland’s transport system has suffered from fragmented decisi…

New Zealand's manufacturing sector has now expanded for 14 months in a row, with new data showing growth spreading across more of the industry, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says. The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) came in at 53.1 for August, above the survey's long-term average of 52.5. A reading above 50.0 shows the sector is expanding. While the index eased from 54.3 in July, BNZ Senior Economist Doug Steel said the three-month average c…

The Government is strengthening support for New Zealand’s treasured backcountry hut and track network through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Backcountry Trust, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced. “For nearly ten years, the Backcountry Trust has partnered with DOC to restore and maintain hundreds of huts and thousands of kilometres of tracks across the country — demonstrating what can be achieved when gover…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Ministers, Councillors and iwi have officially opened Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) today, marking a turning point in the way New Zealand’s biggest city moves and grows. After a decade of construction, commuters will be able to travel through the heart of the city by train from Sunday 13 September, when CRL stations open and a new rail timetable begins. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the opening is a historic moment for Auck…

Thousands of tonnes of waste will be diverted from landfill with a $4.7 million upgrade to waste recovery facilities in Taupō, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today. “A $2.3 million investment from the Waste Minimisation Fund, combined with equal funding from the Taupō District Council, will boost recovery and processing at the Broadlands Road Resource Recovery Centre. “The current facility’s limited waste diversion capabilities mean skip and bin trucks go straight to landf…

Work is officially underway on the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment, with the sod turned today on the site of the new acute services building and 158-bed ward tower, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "Today marks a major milestone for Northland, as the Government continues to invest in the infrastructure Northlanders need to access timely, quality healthcare now and into the future," Mr Brown says. "Much of Whangārei Hospital dates back to the 1950s and is no longer equipped to meet the needs…

Whangārei Hospital's new Child Health Centre was officially opened today, giving children, young people, and their families across Northland a purpose-built home for outpatient and community child health services, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "Children and young people in Northland deserve to receive care in facilities that are built for them," Mr Brown says. "This $35 million centre replaces an ageing children's clinic with a modern, welcoming space designed around the needs of children…

Regulation Minister David Seymour and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee have today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review. “If we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential, we need to let Kiwi businesses get on with business,” Mr Seymour says. “The average lifespan of a café or restaurant is less than two years. The Review went straight to the source to find out why. The review received 247 written submissions, met dire…

Three Government programmes are making a difference in preventing family violence, new independent evaluations show. Evaluations of E Tū Whānau, Pasefika Proud and the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme found positive shifts in attitudes, behaviours and social norms associated with family violence. The programmes are funded by the Ministry of Social Development. “Family violence and sexual violence cause enormous harm, but these evaluations show we can make a difference,” Social…

Lower Overseas Investment fees will make it easier and more attractive for investors to bring capital into New Zealand, helping businesses grow, lifting productivity, creating higher-paying jobs, and unlocking New Zealand’s potential. "The Government is focused on removing unnecessary barriers to investment and making New Zealand a more attractive place to do business,” Mr Seymour says. “Last year the Government streamlined the Overseas Investment Act, putting in place a risk-based national in…

The average KiwiSaver balance has passed $40,000 for the first time, with $138.8 billion now invested on behalf of New Zealanders, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer. The Financial Markets Authority's KiwiSaver Annual Report, released today, shows the average member balance up 11 per cent to $40,340, contributions up 8.2 per cent, and more than 112,000 new members joining the scheme. "Competition is a key focus for this Government, and this report shows it working. Memb…

The Government is investing in upgraded visitor facilities at Horopito on the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “More than 67,000 people pass through Horopito, including on the Great Ride each year, creating lasting memories while contributing the local economy along the way,” Louise Upston says. Horopito is located on the edge of the Tongariro National Park, near Ohakune. “This investment of $405,000 will help to rectify the cu…

Planning for the future redevelopment of Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, and Tauranga hospitals has reached an important milestone, with early concept images showing what future buildings could look like, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "This is the next step in getting these three redevelopments underway, and it gives patients, staff, and their communities their first look at what these hospitals could become," Mr Brown says. "Acute services are at the heart of any hospital. Getting these b…

The Government will provide $8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the continued operation and preservation of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “Waitangi is where the story of modern New Zealand began. It is a place of immense national significance, a place of nationhood,” Mr Jones says. “Preserving heritage buildings, museums, cultural facilities and public infrastructure at a site of th…

Good morning. It’s great to be here in the beautiful Kerikeri for this year’s RMLA conference. I want to acknowledge the RMLA for its leadership, and each of you for the critical role you play in shaping the future of our communities. You are the people who spend your professional lives helping New Zealand make some of its most important choices - where we build, how we grow, and how we protect what matters most. It is where infrastructure, housing, environmental protection, private property,…

Revenue Minister Simon Watts says a Bill introduced into the House today will help grow the economy by reducing compliance costs, simplifying rules and removing unnecessary obligations. “My aim is for a world-leading tax system, and these sensible changes bring us a step closer to that. For fringe benefit tax, we’re proposing a much simpler ‘close enough is good enough’ approach to employer-provided vehicles.” Mr Watts says. “Rather than requiring detailed records and logbooks, employers would…

The Government’s plan to ensure secure, affordable electricity for New Zealanders is working, with data today showing new records for renewable generation and a significant drop in wholesale electricity prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. Data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment for the three months ended 30 June this year shows: “These are significant wholesale price decreases, reflecting a number of factors including the Government’s decision to procure an LNG impor…

The Government will remove a key barrier to creating underground gas storage by ending the requirement for developers to pay royalties on gas that is unlikely to be extracted or sold, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “Across the world, underground gas storage is a proven way of improving flexibility and resilience in energy systems. There are already proposals being explored that could significantly expand New Zealand’s storage capacity, and we want to ensure unnecessary regulatory barriers…

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed that upgrades to improve the current pedestrian crossing on State Highway 1 (SH1) through Ōtaika, south of Whangārei, are one step closer with a tender now out to deliver a new signalised crossing. “Carrying more than 20,000 vehicles per day, around six percent heavy vehicles, SH1 through Ōtaika is a very busy highway. Given safety issues raised by the local community over a number of years, the existing unsignalised pedestrian crossing needs an upg…

Work to replace the deck and beams of Symes Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39) between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia will begin on 11 October, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “SH39 is a vital route through western Waikato and an important freight connection between Taranaki and Auckland. This upgrade will ensure Symes Bridge remains safe, reliable and fit for the traffic that depends on it every day,” Mr Bishop says. “The upgraded bridge will be stronger and over one metre wider, improving its …

New Zealand’s latest OECD PISA results show a significant narrowing of the socio-economic achievement gap, driven by strong gains among students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “This is a really significant result. For years, a child’s socio-economic background has been far too strong a predictor of how well they will do at school. “For the first time in years, that gap is closing, and it is closing because students at the bottom are doing bette…

The Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga will now report back in February 2027, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced. The Inquiry was established following the landslides at Mauao Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road, Pāpāmoa, which claimed eight lives in January 2026. The Inquiry’s purpose is to establish how the fatal landslides occurred, report on whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any apparent risk in the period immediatel…

The New Zealand Defence Force and local iwi Ngāti Rangi have today signed an agreement enabling the construction of 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp to begin, Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Our government is committed to fixing the basics, and that means ensuring our sailors, soldiers and aviators and their families have access to warm, safe, dry homes, for modern living. “High-qualityhousing is essential to our soldiers’ wellbeing, retention and operational effectiveness. “This …

Business leader David McClatchy has been reappointed as a Member of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The board manages and administers the investments for the NZ Superannuation Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund which, as of 30 June, were worth $94.4 billion. “Mr McClatchy’s reappointment – for a further three years from October 1 this year – recognises his strong commitment and contribution, maintaining stability and continuity …

The Government is supporting the world’s first clinical sleep trial testing how New Zealand strong-wool bedding performs against synthetic alternatives, say Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.The three-year, $2 million sleep science research programme is supported with $800,000 from the Primary Sector Growth Fund and led by Wisewool. The project will test real people in their own homes and in sleep laboratories, to measure how New Zealand strong-wool b…

Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston have today welcomed the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review, which will make it easier and cheaper for hospitality businesses to open, and easier for them to do business. “Everybody has a favourite café, bar or restaurant they wish was still open. Today’s announcement is about cutting red tape and getting rid of dumb rules which can contribute to closures,” Mr Seymour s…

The Government is investing $2.4 million across six community programmes using sport and physical activity to support children and young people who may be at risk of offending or reoffending, says Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mark Mitchell. “This investment is in addition to the initial $2.2 million provided to five community organisations across New Zealand, which I announced in June 2026.” The Reducing Child and Youth Offending project is a Sport NZ-led initiative focused on understand…

Thousands of food business staff have benefitted from the Government’s new online food safety courses so far, with the third free module in the series going live today, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Food Safety Basics training modules launched just four months ago have been well received by food businesses,” says Mr Hoggard. “More than 7,000 people have accessed the first module introducing food safety and over 3,000 the most recently launched one on hygiene. “Food businesses…

The world's top squash players will compete in the 2028 PSA Squash World Championships in Auckland, supported by a $1 million investment from the Government's Major Events Fund, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today. “The World Championships are one of the most prestigious events in world squash. I’m proud for New Zealand to host players and crowds from around the world at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in February 2028,” Louise Upston says. "Securing …

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a $740 million state highway renewal programme for the upcoming summer construction season, funded through the National Land Transport Fund, will help deliver smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for New Zealanders. The investment forms part of the record $2.15 billion allocated to state highway maintenance and renewals through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, supporting the Government’s focus on maintaining existing infrastructure and ge…

An industry-led initiative to help Taranaki firms pursue large-scale procurement opportunities has been accelerated by a Regional Infrastructure Fund grant of $3 million, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Taranaki Alliance aims to help local companies secure more than $100m in contracts over its first three years, supporting the retention or redeployment of hundreds of skilled roles in the oil and gas sector. “Taranaki has a huge amount of expertise and experience in engineer…

Wills Month highlights how Kiwis can leave a charitable legacy for the next generation, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “Between now and 2050, New Zealand is expected to experience the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in its history. Inheritances are estimated to total $1.6 trillion. “As wealth passes between generations over the coming decades, there is an opportunity to create a legacy to benefit communities for years to come,” Louise Upston says. It …

The Government has renewed the deployment of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel in support of Ukraine’s self-defence, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith say. “New Zealand’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression and of the atrocities committed in Ukraine remains undiminished. We are fully committed to supporting the people of Ukraine,” Mr Peters says. “The brave Ukrainian men and women who have been fighting for years deserve our support for their courage …

Staff and students at ten schools with significant roll growth pressure will benefit from 34 additional classrooms and a new gym, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The $32.8 million investment has been made possible through savings in the school property portfolio. Since July 2024, more efficient planning, prioritisation and delivery has generated over $330 million in savings to be reinvested into school property. “Every dollar we save through more efficient delivery is put into the clas…

An independent review into mental health and addiction telehealth services has been released today, alongside new initiatives that respond directly to its findings, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced. “We are acting swiftly to implement the findings of the review, accepting all recommendations. Today I am announcing further immediate actions we are taking to respond to the report, building on the recently announced telehealth package,” Mr Doocey says. “The review provides reassur…

With the growing impacts of disasters globally, it is critical that countries work together to reduce risk, strengthen preparedness, and support more resilient communities. This Memorandum of Cooperation reflects our shared commitment to learning from one another and improving how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from future events,” Minister Mitchell says. “New Zealand and Japan share a deep understanding of the impacts disasters can have on communities. As we mark 15 years since both t…