#new-zealand

Racing Minister Winston Peters says a brighter future awaits the hundreds of dogs involved in the greyhound racing industry which winds up today. Commercial greyhound racing ends 31 July 2026 following the passing of legislation in April with the support of all parties in Parliament. The legislation followed a decade in which three independent reports showed unacceptable death and injury rates, with no noticeable improvement. Mr Peters says the focus is now on rehoming the estimated 1400 dogs …

A nationwide programme upgrading New Zealand’s small and remote schools has completed its 800th school upgrade, says Education Minister Erica Stanford. “The work of the Small Schools Upgrade Programme | Ngā Iti Kahurangi has benefited thousands of students around the country and reduced the burden of maintenance for busy school principals and school boards.” “When we came into office school property maintenance was failing to keep pace with need and classrooms in Kura had suffered from a lack …

This government’s ambitious target of better, and more, training to help staff support in family violence and sexual violence responses milestone has been achieved almost 6 months in advance of the due date. 10,000 frontline workers have been trained in family violence and sexual violence prevention in the past 18 months. Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says, “this was an ambitious target, and its achievement will ensure victim/survivors receive better pr…

Three new appointments have been made to the New Zealand Sign Language Board, Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says. The three new members of the Board – which works to support the promotion and maintenance of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – are Rāhera Turner, Thora Huebner and Joanne Witko. Existing Board member Kim Robinson will extend his term for another year. Louise Upston says alongside existing experience on the Board, the new members will bring further energy and insigh…

The environmental impacts of a former Whanganui landfill that operated for more than 40 years will be investigated in a project announced today by Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg. “The allocation of $464,000 from the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund, combined with funding from the Whanganui District Council, will enable a comprehensive investigation and assessment of remedial actions of the former Balgownie Landfill,” Ms Grigg says. The landfill operated between 1956 …

Hon Paul Davison KC KSO has been appointed Independent Redress Officer for a five-year term from 1 August 2026, Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford announced today. Established under the Redress System for Abuse in Care Act 2026, the Independent Redress Officer will determine financial redress applications from survivors of abuse in State care who are also serious offenders. The role will also consider exemption applications from survivors with an advanced terminal illness. Hon Davison i…

The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme is now open for businesses making the investment to reduce their reliance on gas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say. “Businesses across New Zealand are facing higher gas prices and greater uncertainty about future supply. The Government is supporting businesses to lower energy cost and stay competitive and by switching from gas to other energy sources and improving energy efficiency…

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says changes to hazardous substances regulations coming into effect today will provide regulatory relief and ensure laboratory safety requirements better reflect the realities of working in labs. “I’m making practical changes to health and safety regulations that will maintain safety in laboratories while reducing unnecessary compliance costs,” says Ms van Velden. “In 2017, laboratories became subject to the same regulatory requirements…

The Government has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement to deliver the first section of the Northland Expressway – Warkworth to Te Hana – starting one of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects, Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced. The Project Agreement was signed this week between the Crown and the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain and operate the expressway, and reached financial close today. Detailed design, site mobilisation and…

Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford has announced the remaining appointments to the new Governing Council of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Patrick Walsh MNZM has been appointed Chair, Andrée Atkinson as Deputy Chair, Kelly Seaburg as a new member. Kelly Seaburg’s expertise in early childhood education is a valuable addition, and Minister Stanford is also confident that Patrick Walsh’s and Andrée Atkinson’s leadership, financial, and governance experience, will provide clear d…

Rural communities across New Zealand will benefit from three new investments that will support the rural health workforce and help more people access care closer to home, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. "Where you live shouldn't determine the healthcare you can receive. That’s why we're backing rural clinicians with the training, support and workforce they need so people can access more care locally," Mr Doocey says. "These three investments will help rural clinicians to make bette…

Regulation Minister David Seymour has today welcomed the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report (“the Report”) on how to make residential and small to medium scale solar panel installation in New Zealand the simplest in the developed world. “Kiwis need access to reliable and affordable energy, but installation of solar panels can take months. Implementation of the Report’s recommendations would see solar become an easy option for Kiwi families,” Mr Seymour says. “The Report recommends …

Honourable Ministers, Members of Parliament and representatives from across the Pacific, and distinguished guests. Warm Pacific greetings to you all. It is a pleasure to welcome women parliamentarians and other Pacific representatives to Wellington for this chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships between us that underpin our Pacific cooperation. We are proud to support Pacific parliamentary cooperation through New Zealand’s overseas development pr…

The State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass, Road of National Significance, has been granted Fast-track approval. This is the 27th project and the second roading project to be approved through the Fast-track process. New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) lodged its application in December 2025, with approval taking around four months since the appointment of an independent expert panel. “This expansion between Belfast and Pegasus spans around 11 km, commencing from …

The Government has met its 2023 election commitment to deliver 3,000 additional social homes in Auckland during the current term of government, reaching the milestone months ahead of schedule and providing thousands more Aucklanders with access to warm, dry and secure homes, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. "Before the election we publicly committed to increasing Auckland's social housing stock by at least the then net build rate of 1,000 homes a year over three years. I'm pleased to say, we…

The Government has today released its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "New Zealanders placed enormous trust in their government and made real sacrifices to protect one another. They deserve a clear account of what happened, and this response is about learning from it," Mr Brown says. "The independent Commission is clear that restrictions stayed in place for longer than needed against public health advice, that Auckland was kept apar…

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited the Auckland Police Station to launch the region's third mental health co-response team, which will help ensure people experiencing mental distress get the right support at the right time. “It’s utterly unacceptable that when a concerned mum, dad, friend, or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they receive a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better,” Mr Doocey says. "…

A bid to undertake exploration over an area east of Kupe gas field in Taranaki has become the first new petroleum exploration permit to be granted since the Coalition Government reversed the ban on offshore exploration, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Six months after the closure ofa competitive market processfor the application, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) has today awarded Australian explorer EnZed Energy a 12-year petroleum exploration permit covering about 546sq km in th…

The Government is investing in initiatives to help ensure New Zealand tourism experiences are visible and accessible to international visitors through artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “A growing number of people are using AI search to explore destination options and plan their holidays. We want to make sure New Zealand shows up strongly when they do,” Louise Upston says. The Government is investing $800,000 from the International Visitor …

The Arms Bill passed its final reading in Parliament today meaning New Zealanders will soon have much better firearms laws that respect licenced firearm owners and improve public safety, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. “The Bill keeps firearms out of criminals’ hands, while making compliance easier for licenced firearm owners,” says Mrs McKee “Firearms are used by licenced New Zealanders to put food on the table, earn a living, manage pests, compete in sport, enjoy the outdoors, …

Otago is the latest region to benefit from the Government’s next phase of Predator Free 2050, with a $3.9 million investment to expand successful predator elimination around Dunedin, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. The investment follows $5.5 million for Wellington and $10 million for Auckland, building momentum behind proven predator-free projects across New Zealand. “Together, this work demonstrates what can be achieved when the Government backs successful local projects and helps ta…

The Biometric Capability Upgrade was a seven-year project within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that was ceased in December 2025. MBIE previously advised Ministers, the Education and Workforce Committee, and New Zealanders in June that the project costs to be written off were around $33 million. The Greg James review also raised questions about whether MBIE undertook “creative accounting” to keep the project below the $35 million whole-of-life costs threshold to avoi…

The Government is beginning the process to purchase long-range one-way strike drones, looking particularly toward Kiwi industry for solutions, Defence Minister Chris Penk says. “We will soon place with industry a request for information and while we will consider all viable options, we are especially interested in supporting local innovation, skills and industrial capability,” Mr Penk says. “This Government is fixing the basics by addressing historical Defence underinvestment, and that include…

Young people in Hamilton, Nelson and Hawke's Bay will soon have faster access to mental health and addiction support through three new Youth Hubs, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. "The Government is investing $3 million to establish three new Youth Hubs that will make it easier for young people aged 16 to 25 to access mental health and addiction support, delivering on our plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response," Mr Doocey says. "We know …

The Employment Leave Bill has passed its third and final reading, ushering in a long-awaited overhaul of the law that provides employees with employment leave entitlements, like annual and sick leave, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. “This Bill delivers on the Government’s priority to replace the broken Holidays Act with a leave system which is simple and straightforward, so that employers have confidence in their calculations, and employees have confid…

Updated dog control guidelines released today will help keep Kiwis safer while the Government continues its review of dog control laws, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. “Too many Kiwis have been victims of disgusting attacks from dogs in recent years. Every New Zealander should be able to walk around their neighbourhood without worrying about being attacked by a dangerous and uncontrolled dog. “Dog owners are personally responsible for their animals. They need to ensure that their a…

Finance Minister Nicola Willis today announced the appointment of Byron Pepper as Deputy Chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board. "Byron Pepper has made a significant contribution to the Reserve Bank Board since his appointment in 2022, and I am pleased to appoint him as Deputy Chair," Nicola Willis says. "Mr Pepper's extensive experience in global financial markets, combined with his proven leadership, governance expertise and deep understanding of the Board's operations make him well-…

The Attorney-General has extended the final report deadline for the Public Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children by one month, allowing the Inquiry additional time to clarify a matter. The Inquiry presented its report to the Governor-General’s office and the Attorney-General on Tuesday 21 July, as required by its terms of reference announced by the then Attorney-General, Hon Judith Collins, on 27 November 2025. Mr Bishop praised the work of the Chair, Hon Simon Moore, and the…

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed two new appointments to the Waitangi Tribunal, Nick Wells and Rick Witana. “I would like to welcome Mr Wells and Mr Witana to their new roles and, at the same time, thank Dr Paul Hamer and Basil Morrison for their service as they step down as members,” Mr Potaka says. “Dr Hamer and Mr Morrison will continue serving on their existing panels until those inquiries conclude. “Mr Wells and Mr Witana bring a breadth of experience across governanc…

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed three key reappointments across Māori whenua, economic development, and Māori broadcasting governance. The appointments are Dr Charlotte Severne ONZM as Māori Trustee, Hinerangi Edwards ONZM as a trustee of the Poutama Trust Board, and Brian Morris as a member of the Te Māngai Pāho Board. "The reappointments provide continuity for organisations that help unlock the potential of Māori land, support Māori enterprise, and strengthen te reo Māor…

Long-term measures to reduce risk from fishing to hoiho will come into force on 16 September 2026, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Last year I established a temporary emergency ban of set-net fishing in a high-risk area around the Otago Peninsula to protect hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins). This allowed for a review of scientific evidence and public consultation before deciding next steps. “I have decided this closure will be made permanent. I am also establishing a new escalating…

The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed by Parliament today will give developers and councils more innovative tools to fund and finance the infrastructure New Zealand needs to grow, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. “Fixing the basics and building the future for New Zealand requires us to tackle the barriers which have prevented the delivery of the new homes and projects that will grow the economy, improve living standards an…

The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, making it simpler and clearer to use while maintaining protections for workers and opportunities for New Zealanders. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the changes recognise the important role the RSE scheme plays, while responding to clear feedback that it has become too complex. "The RSE scheme has been a standout success for nearly 20 years, helping meet seasonal labour needs in our horticulture and viticultu…

The Government is introducing new biosecurity regulations to help poultry farmers manage H5 bird flu, protect livelihoods, and secure domestic food supply, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Now that H5 bird flu is here, it will almost certainly establish in wild birds. “Cabinet has approved regulations to ensure the sector has the practices, infrastructure, reporting, and compliance tools needed to manage that risk.” Poultry operators with more than 100 birds will be required to deve…

Auckland based barrister Paul Collins has been confirmed by parliament as the new Judicial Conduct Commissioner, Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced today. Mr Collins has almost 40 years of experience in legal practice and for most of the past 30 years has specialised in law and practice relating to the regulation of the legal profession. This work has included professional disciplinary matters at all levels from Standards Committees to Supreme Court appearances. His early career was with…

Cancer patients across the Wellington region will benefit from more precise and advanced treatment with a new radiation therapy Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine now treating patients at Wellington Regional Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "This new machine means patients across the region can access more advanced, highly targeted cancer treatment closer to home," Mr Brown says. "This latest generation LINAC replaces a machine that had reached the end of its working life, and is t…

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 contributio…

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 Pu…

Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell today announced the appointment of Deborah Hart as Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board. “Deborah brings a wealth of governance, legal and accountability expertise to the role and will provide strong, independent leadership as the Commission enters its next phase and strengthens confidence in New Zealand’s sport integrity system. “The Sport Integrity Commission plays a vital role in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sport and recreation en…

Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, is travelling to the People's Republic of China to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, this week. Minister Simmonds will be accompanied by a delegation of 11 senior leaders of New Zealand institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs). The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between New Zealand and China in the Tertiary Education, and Science, Innovation and Technology areas, to…

Over 97,500 New Zealand families have now received FamilyBoost payments to help with the cost of early childhood education, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. "Raising young children comes with significant costs, and this Government is committed to backing working parents with practical support that makes a real difference,” Nicola Willis says. "Last year we expanded FamilyBoost because we wanted more families to benefit and to receive larger payments. "We increased the rebate from 25 per c…

The Government is making it easier for growers of smaller-scale crops to use the agricultural chemicals they need to control pests and weeds, says Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. Agricultural chemicals are subject to risk-based maximum residue levels (MRLs). Until now, growers of minor crops such as strawberries or leafy greens have often had to rely on low default MRLs where no specific New Zealand limit has been set. “These growers now have a pathway to use internationally agreed, r…

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 lege…

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 ca…

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 s…

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…

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. …

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…

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 …

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…