Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Wills Month — generosity across generations

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

New Zealand continues its support to Ukraine

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

Monday, September 7, 2026

BeauEver Redefines Neck-Jawline Care with New Integrated Sculpting Cream

BeauEver Neck-Jawline Sculpting Cream, informally known as the Swan Cream.

BeauEver Neck-Jawline Sculpting Cream with the Swan Sculpting Tool, designed as a sculptural swan-inspired ritual.

BeauEver Brand Ambassador Zoi Sadowski-Synnott with Neck-Jawline Sculpting Cream

Inspired by professional protocols, the New Zealand-founded prestige brand introduces a holistic approach to firmness, contours, and tone.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, September 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- BeauEver, a New Zealand-founded premium skincare brand, today announced the upcoming launch of Neck-Jawline Sculpting Cream , the latest addition to its Luminova Prestige collection and informally known as "the Swan Cream."

Sunday, September 6, 2026

CER Trade Ministers strengthen Single Economic Market agenda

New Zealand and Australia have accelerated work towards a more ambitious Single Economic Market (SEM), as Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell concluded the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Auckland today.

Ministers welcomed the implementation of SEM Strengthening Initiatives including:

New funding for Whangamarino wetland, insect heavyweight

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced two new International Visitor Levy (IVL) investments while in the Waikato, today — funding to protect the Whangamarino wetland, and further work to maximise breeding opportunities for the Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House.

“We are serious about protecting and restoring New Zealand’s taonga sites and taonga

MDF investments strengthen Māori enterprise, build lasting prosperity

More than $3.4 million of Government investment through the Māori Development Fund is helping three Māori enterprises create jobs, grow exports and build lasting prosperity, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

The investments reach from green hydrogen at Mōkai and an export apple orchard in

Saturday, September 5, 2026

North-West Rapid Transit project fast-tracked

The North-West Rapid Transit project, a major new rapid bus transit route alongside State Highway 16 in Auckland, has been granted fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

This is the 33rd project approved through the Fast-track process.

The project includes a busway alongside State Highway 16 between Brigham Creek and

Registered counsellor appointed to Minister’s Arms Advisory Group

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the appointment of Southland-based registered counsellor Kathryn Wright to the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group (MAAG).

“Kathryn will bring valuable practical experience to the Advisory Group through both her work as a registered counsellor and rural mental health practitioner, and her service on the board of Mental Hunts,” says Mrs McKee.

“Mental Hunts is a national mental health charity that works closely with firearms users,

District Court Judge appointed

Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of Christopher Morris as a District Court Judge.  

Mr Morris is a sole practitioner in Auckland, having previously been a partner at Cook Morris Quinn between 2006 and 2024.  

The early part of his career was spent with Bell Gully Buddle Weir and Meredith Connell (both in Auckland) and as Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office in Wellington.  His experience spans both criminal, regulatory and civil jurisdictions, and in the past several years he has acted in lengthy high-profile criminal and civil regulatory trials. Mr Morris has appeared many times in the Court of Appeal as crown counsel, defence counsel, and for civil appellants and respondents. He has also appeared in the Supreme Court and the Privy Council.

Judge Morris will be based at the Auckland District Court and is due to be sworn in on 22 October 2026, in Auckland.

International education exports surge past pre-Covid levels

New Zealand’s international education export earnings have surged to nearly $5 billion, surpassing 2019 pre-Covid levels and delivering a major boost to the New Zealand economy.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the result confirms international education is once

Medsafe approves new innovative PTSD treatment

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Medsafe’s approval of two psychiatrists to prescribe pharmaceutical grade MDMA to eligible patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“PTSD ruins lives and is difficult to treat. MDMA can be very effective at treating it through

New Zealand begins Pacific leadership role

New Zealand has joined the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika, taking on an expanded leadership role ahead of hosting the Forum in Auckland in 2027.

“New Zealand is serious about delivering on Pacific priorities. That is why we are here in Palau, to engage with other members openly on the challenges that face our region,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

New Zealand will work alongside current and previous Chairs Palau and Solomon Islands

Stronger safety measures for children’s sand products

Proposed mandatory asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand will better protect Kiwi consumers, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.

"Many New Zealanders have been understandably concerned about the discovery of asbestos

Crown settles with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana

The Crown has settled historic Treaty settlement claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana as legislation passes its final reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Today marks an important milestone for Ngāti Ruapani and their longstanding connection

Community trust board members appointed

A total of 25 appointments and reappointments have been made to nine of the 12 community trusts around the country, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says.

They are:

  • Waikato Community Trust: Blair Currie, Christine Hall, Andrew Peckham and Chris Williams have been appointed.
  • Eastern and Central Community Trust: Catriona McKay and Jared Pullar have been

Single point of contact simplifies State redress for survivors

Survivors can now go to a single place for information about State redress, to make a new claim, or to find out what happens next, Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

The new State Redress Service operates on behalf of all State redress agencies, creating one

Crown settles with Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui

The Crown has concluded nine years of negotiations with Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui as legislation passes its final reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

"Today represents the culmination of many years of determination, commitment and

Faster access to addiction support now available

More people in communities hardest hit by meth are now getting faster access to treatment and recovery support, with new services rolled out across the country, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“We are clear that drugs destroy lives and put enormous pressure on families and

New board member appointed to Maritime NZ

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed the appointment of a new board member to Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ).

Jonathan Moore begins his one-year term this week, joining five other board members.

“Mr Moore brings a wealth of maritime knowledge and experience to the Maritime NZ. He

Industry roadmap to help hospitality succeed

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is welcoming an industry report outlining practical steps to support the long-term success of New Zealand's hospitality sector. 

"Our hospitality sector plays a vital role in New Zealand's economy – it supports jobs, local communities and the experiences of domestic and international visitors across the country,” Louise Upston says. 

"I am pleased to see that the report acknowledges the progress that has already been made

Fighting organised crime and people trafficking

The Government is establishing a multi-agency Chief Executive Board on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) to drive a stronger, more coordinated response, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced today.

“TSOC groups are increasingly targeting New Zealand and the wider Pacific region, causing

New lifejacket legislation to save lives

New lifejacket legislation will save lives and reduce preventable harm on New Zealand waters this summer, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager is welcoming today’s passing of Hon Dr Shane Reti’s Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill, which will require everyone on recreational craft of six metres or less to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, when underway.

“In 2025, 17 people died in recreational craft incidents on our waters. Sadly, 12 of those

Increasing resilience of economy welcomed

The Reserve Bank’s assessment that the economic recovery is resuming and expected to broaden, has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

Announcing a 0.25 basis point lift in the Official Cash Rate today to 2.75 per cent, the Reserve Bank said it expected the recovery to strengthen and broaden, the export sector to remain resilient and household spending to increase. 

The bank also expects purchasing power to increase as inflation returns to the mid-point of its

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Foundational legislation strengthens support

The voice of the disability community is reflected in Disability Support Services legislation which passed its final reading in Parliament today.

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the new legislative framework for DSS will be crucial in delivering improved support for thousands of New Zealanders who rely on it. 

“This is an important piece of legislation which helps strengthen support for disabled people

Free cervical screening for all women

Cervical screening will be free for all eligible women from 1 March 2027, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women's Minister Nicola Grigg say.

"Today I am pleased to announce that this Government will make cervical screening free for all women aged 25 to 69," Mr Brown says.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Almost every case is caused by HPV,

Rates Capping Bill passes first reading

Legislation to halt excessive rates increases and ensure councils’ focus to be on fixing the basics and keeping rates affordable has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

Under the Local Government (Rates Capping) Amendment Bill, councils will be required to

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Greater powers to go after fraudsters

Legislation which provides the Serious Fraud Office with greater powers to go after criminals has passed its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.

“It’s estimated fraud in New Zealand results in billions of dollars in losses each year, and

Backing the Hauraki Rail Trail’s recovery

The Government is investing further in repairs to the Hauraki Rail Trail to ensure it remains a world-class attraction for tourists and local communities following severe storm damage, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

"This investment will help ensure the Hauraki Rail Trail can continue playing its important

The United States, Cook Islands, and New Zealand announce Penrhyn Port project

The United States, Cook Islands, and New Zealand intend to partner to deliver a major port upgrade on the island of Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands, senior representatives announced today.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters

Flu vaccine funding criteria extended from today

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s decision to fund the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months up until their fifth birthday from today.

“Pharmac voice is listened to once again as Pharmac extend funding criteria for the flu

Minister sets clear expectations for new ECE regulator

Regulation Minister David Seymour has today provided an update on the implementation of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Review.

“The Review found that ECE regulation was all over the place and applied with an iron fist. This left the sector confused and forced staff to work double time just to stay above the red tape, when they should be focussed on caring for children,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Last year we passed a law to fix it. Today more changes take effect.”

Stable credit rating a vote of confidence

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed rating agency S&P’s vote of confidence in the New Zealand economy.

The agency has affirmed New Zealand’s AA+ foreign currency credit rating with a stable outlook and is forecasting the economy to grow 2.5 per cent in the 12 months to June next year.

“New Zealand is one of just 18 economies to have an AA+, or better rating,” Nicola Willis

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Cutting red tape between the farm gate and the freezer

The Government is seeking feedback on changes that would make it easier for people to buy an animal from a local farmer and get it processed sooner, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

Under current rules, people can already buy a live animal. But before it can be processed by