Businesses are about to have enhanced powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Crimes Act Amendment Bill passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and that means
A new urgent and after-hours service will open at Toka Hāpai Selwyn Health Hub this Saturday, easing pressure on Christchurch Hospital's emergency department and giving people in Rolleston and across the Selwyn district better access to urgent healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
"Until now, families in Selwyn have often had to drive into Christchurch in the evening or at
Viet Nam’s President and Party General Secretary, His Excellency To Lam, will make a State visit to New Zealand next week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today.
“With a population of more than 100 million people and GDP growth of 8 percent last year, Viet Nam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and an increasingly significant partner for New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says.
“Two-way trade reached NZ$3.41 billion in the year to March 2026 – up 72 percent over five
The Government is reforming a long-standing issue for regional airports by creating more flexible, cost-effective options to improve runway safety, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.
Mr Meager says smaller airports will be freed from blanket industry regulations and unnecessary compliance costs through the creation of a new civil aviation rule.
“The new regulations introduce shorter runway end safety area (RESA) lengths for smaller
The Crown has entered into binding agreements to monetise the debt it holds in telecommunications lines company Chorus, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop have confirmed.
“The Government announced in December 2025 its decision to progress the early
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer today announced the appointment of James Miller as chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
"James Miller is one of this country's most respected directors, and for the best part of 12
An independent analysis of New Zealand's minerals royalty regime and the Crown’s return from mineral development has found it is transparent and broadly comparable with similar overseas jurisdictions, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
The review by Deloitte New Zealand, commissioned by the Ministry of Business,
Auckland's City Rail Link (CRL) will open to passengers on 13 September, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown confirming the long-awaited opening date.
"This is one of the most significant transport investments in New Zealand's history, and in just a few weeks Aucklanders will finally be able to use it,” Mr Bishop says.
“The CRL will fundamentally change the way Auckland's rail network operates, with faster
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today launched the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, setting a clear 10-year direction to improve mental health and addiction outcomes for all New Zealanders.
“In opposition, I said it was a huge mistake for a mental health strategy not to be included in
An exciting range of future-focused, industry-led secondary school subjects was launched by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Education Minister Erica Stanford today, giving young New Zealanders more opportunities to connect what they learn at school with the jobs, training, and careers of the future.
“These subjects are being developed with industry to give students an exciting range of
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced changes to the Public Lending Right for New Zealand Authors scheme that will see more New Zealand authors recognised for their books held in libraries.
“Cabinet has agreed to lower the eligibility threshold for the scheme. Currently, 50 copies of
Seven research projects offering innovative ideas to achieve better outcomes for a range of health issues including breast cancer, HIV transmission and autoimmune disease have been awarded a total of just over $1m in the Health Research Council's Explorer grant round for 2026.
The research projects are:
Dr Carl Webber, FMHS
To celebrate National Poetry Day,
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is inviting feedback on proposals for managing rock lobster fishing around Aotea-Great Barrier Island.
“Aotea-Great Barrier Local Board and Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Iwi Trust Board have requested measures to help ensure the long-term sustainability of local spiny and packhorse rock lobsters,” Mr Jones says.
“Over the past two years, I have closed rock lobster fishing in the inner Hauraki Gulf and
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji later this week.
“We have seen recently the impacts of global events on our region.”
“It is timely to discuss those events and chart a common course for the Pacific,” Mr Peters says.
The Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, which will take place on 7 August, prepares the ground for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September.
“As New Zealand prepares to host next year’s Pacific Islands Forum, we look forward to working with Members to advance the priorities of the Blue Pacific and reinforce the value of strong regional cooperation.”
While in Suva, Mr Peters will also hold a range of bilateral discussions with Pacific counterparts.
Mr Peters leaves for Fiji tomorrow (6 August) and returns to New Zealand on Friday (7 August).
Balanced events programme delivers stronger results for Wellington through a mix of annual favourites and new visitor drawcards.
The Public Service Commission will be undertaking a rapid review of the Ministry of Justice, and providing firm guidance to all chief executives on managing employment cases that involve criminal proceedings, Justice and Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“What happened with the former Ministry of Justice employee Russell Harrison is utterly
Auckland Council has appointed Derrick Adams to the Board of Watercare Services Limited (Watercare).
Cr Richard Hills chaired the selection panel and welcomes Derrick to the Board.
“Derrick has an exceptional depth of understanding of infrastructure build and the management of these vital assets. His expertise will be a significant benefit to the Watercare Board as it delivers on its $15.2 billion capital programme over the next 10 years.”
The appointment was confirmed by the Appointments and Performance Review committee
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen, Chair of the Joint Shareholders Committee representing Timaru District Council and Mackenzie District Council, has announced the appointment of Justin Riley as Chair and Director of Central South Island Water Limited, the new water services organisation being established by the two councils.
Central South Island Water Limited will assume responsibility for the delivery of drinking
A unique Government and community funding initiative will support dozens of at-risk young people to experience the rural work environment through access to hands-on learning within the primary industries, Youth Minister James Meager has announced.
The NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership
Today's labour market statistics confirm what many New Zealanders already know from experience: the second quarter of this year was a tough one, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
"April, May and June were difficult months for many employers. They faced real uncertainty and rising costs, and a lot of them made the hard call to hold off on hiring or expanding. Today's data, showing unemployment at 5.6 per cent, reflects that.
“For the New Zealanders who've been out there looking for work in that environment, we
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to widen access to type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need.
“Improving access to medicines in New Zealand is important to patients and their families. That’s why it has been a focus for this Government,” Mr Seymour says.
From 1 September, Pharmac will widen access to empagliflozin, empagliflozin with
Communities in Ōpōtiki, Porirua and on the West Coast have been selected as the first to help design how social services are delivered in their area, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.
Earlier this year, the Government invited communities across New Zealand to apply for
A new specialist school for students with complex needs in Gisborne will open in the next two years, the first of its kind in the region, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.
“I’m delighted to announce that we’re building a new specialist school in Gisborne. This is
The Council voted today to
A redevelopment of Auckland’s Downtown Carpark into two skyscrapers, three podium buildings, and a new laneway network has been granted Fast-track approval.
This is the 28th project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with
The Government will maintain existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit settings, delivering stability and certainty for the market, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced today.
The decisions follow consultation on draft settings.
"A stable ETS is key to delivering the emissions reductions required to meet our targets. These
The committee plays an important role in supporting QLDC’s financial stewardship and oversight responsibilities. It monitors Council’s financial strategy and performance against the Long Term Plan (LTP) and Annual Plan (AP), and makes recommendations to Council on significant financial matters.
Mayor Glover explained that the new member would join five sitting Councillors to bring an
Cities across the globe are becoming hotspots as climate change results in heatwaves. The Christchurch Conversation event, organised by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City-Making and supported by the Council, will look at what can be done to mitigate urban heat and ensure cities are liveable for all.
Te Pūtahi Director Dr Jessica Halliday says Christchurch is like other cities around the
Written by Jonah Clark, Year 13 of Waitakere College
The School of Business recently visited Auckland University to test out their cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) headsets, designed to help students develop their pitching and presentation skills. During the session, we were able to simulate safe environments where students could practice their product pitching against AI coaches and get in-time feedback.
The visit provided valuable insight into how emerging technology can enhance learning and
Businesses will soon have additional powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Government’s Crimes Act overhaul scheduled to start its final reading this week, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions. Retailers and security
Congratulations to the New Zealand athletes who returned home with medals from the 2026 Australian Gymnastics Championships, following another successful campaign across the Tasman.
The annual event provides an important international competition opportunity for
We are pleased to announce the team to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Trampoline World Championships, 4-8 November, and World Age Group Competitions, 12-15 November, in Nanjing, China.
World Championships
World Age Group Competitions
Wishing both teams all the best with their competitions and travels.
ICE Gymsports is making a significant impact in Christchurch by partnering with local schools to deliver trampoline-based NCEA programmes, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to achieve both in the classroom and through sport.
To date this year, the club has supported more than 160
We have already transformed how Pharmac interacts with the patient community, now we’re building on what we’ve done, and cementing the change
Two native species found nowhere else on Earth are getting help to survive, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Hamilton’s frog and the white-bellied
More young New Zealanders will be paid to train for manufacturing careers, with the successful Earn as You Learn programme expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch and
Hamilton City Council will make a decision on its preferred pathway for local government reform next week, with the issues that have informed Hamilton's long-held position on regional governance remaining the top priority.
In May, central government announced the voluntary Head Start process, which invited
Mayor John Glover said finding the right person to lead the organisation through a period of significant change in the local government sector has been a key priority for Council.
“Following a thorough recruitment process and careful consideration of a strong field of
Businesses, organisations, and innovators with bold ideas to help shape the future of the Queenstown Lakes economy are encouraged to apply for funding through QLDC’s Economic Diversification Fund.
Applications for the 2026–2027 funding round are open from 31 July to 30 September 2026.
More than 40,000 new homes were consented in the year to June, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
“This is the first time since 2023 new home consents have exceeded that mark, and are up 19 per cent on the last year with strong increases across housing types – including stand-alone homes, townhouses and retirement villages,” Mr Penk says.
“This is a significant turnaround for a sector that has faced some challenging conditions over
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched consultation on Wellington’s heritage planning rules related to five key sites.
The report following a request from Wellington City Council for the Minister to exercise the regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, which enables the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to remove or modify provisions in district plans where they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.
“The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wellington asked me to look at heritage provisions related
The Government is backing more Kiwi’s to train to be teachers by significantly expanding practical, classroom-based training and providing more support to attract teachers to schools facing persistent staffing challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“We are investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the highly successful School
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has today resolved to work with Dunedin City Council (DCC) to develop and submit a Head Start proposal supporting a twin unitary authority model for Otago, comprising an Inland Otago Unitary Authority and a Coastal Otago Unitary Authority.
Under the proposed model, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts would form an
Mount Maunganui-based Mitchells Nutrition is launching NZ Bone Broth Day on 5 August – not as another wellness trend, but as an annual reminder to return to simple, traditional nutrition and the food traditions generations before us relied on.
There are plenty of national and international days in the calendar. Some are light-hearted.
The concert will be held at the College at 6:30pm on Tuesday 18 August. We warmly invite our community to attend. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/20591
Directors Whaimutu Dewes and Owen Coppage have been reappointed to the Transpower Board until 2029, ensuring governance continuity as the national grid operator embarks on a transformative $13 billion investment programme over the next decade, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Whaimutu Dewes brings strong governance expertise, risk management, and a focus on
A ban on harvesting some types of shellfish in parts of Hauraki Gulf has been extended for another two years, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The extension to two-year closures at Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island were requested by Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust.
“Extending these temporary closures is a practical step to help replenish local shellfish for
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 9.30am
Venue: Large Exhibition Hall, War Memorial Centre, Marine Parade, Napier
Business: Housing Divestment [This item will be Public Excluded under s.7(2)(i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 - Enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial Negotiations)]
Former Dean of Engineering Professor Nic Smith was welcomed back to his alma mater on 3 August to begin his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Nic Smith has been formally welcomed as the University of Auckland's new Vice-Chancellor, marking the start of his first day in the role with a pōwhiri at Waipapa Marae.
Surrounded by University leaders, council members, staff, whānau and friends, he was warmly welcomed back to campus by University Kaiarataki Michael Steedman (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Te Uri o Hau). Among the guests was Vice-
The new Drury and Paerātā railway stations have been formally opened today, with services beginning tomorrow and weekday peak trains running every 10 minutes, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
The stations will serve Drury, Paerātā, Franklin and South Auckland, with each station
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has issued a call to action to Kiwis, encouraging people to get behind the mission to control wild goat numbers and help protect New Zealand’s landscapes.
It comes as this year’s National Wild Goat Hunting Competition begins, which has resulted
New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious skin spots and moles checked and removed at a local GP clinic, the first stage of a $23 million investment in community healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
"New Zealand has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Skin cancer is our
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,
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
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
