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Latest Parliament Headlines
Trade Minister To Visit India
Saturday, 14 December 2024, 2:15 pm | New Zealand Government
“India is an important partner for New Zealand. The Government is committed to stepping up all aspects of our relationship, including opportunities to enhance two-way trade,” Trade Minister Todd McClay says. More >>
Low-emission Hydrogen Plan Released
Saturday, 14 December 2024, 2:13 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government is committed to enabling the hydrogen sector to be part of our energy mix through removing regulatory barriers and supporting international trade and investment. More >>
We Hate To Say We Told You So
Saturday, 14 December 2024, 8:23 am | ACT New Zealand
ACT has long warned against the perils of government picking winners and losers in the market, and in 2018 we warned NZGIF was just a different shade of corporate welfare. More >>
Modernising Dietary Supplement Regulations
Friday, 13 December 2024, 5:34 pm | New Zealand Government
Under changes to the Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill, the Government is moving the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 from the long-repealed Food Act 1981 and reissuing them under the modern Food Act 2014. More >>
Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill Passed
Friday, 13 December 2024, 5:31 pm | New Zealand Government
Repealing the TPA was a commitment in the National-New Zealand First and National-ACT coalition agreements. More >>
Govt Child Poverty Targets Allow For Increase In Poverty
Friday, 13 December 2024, 4:28 pm | Green Party
We are calling on Minister Louise Upston to explain how these targets are consistent with the Child Poverty Reduction Act which requires a reduction of child poverty, says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March. More >>
Assurance Received From The National Library On Freedom Of Expression
Friday, 13 December 2024, 4:21 pm | New Zealand Government
The National Library often make minor edits to the summary of public lectures for length and clarity. However, changing an author’s summary out of political sensitivity is not acceptable and the National Library has acknowledged this. More >>
New Zealand And Thailand Make Progress Towards Strategic Partnership
Friday, 13 December 2024, 3:49 pm | New Zealand Government
Mr Peters met with his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa in Auckland today. More >>
Government Delivers Standardised Emissions Measurement Tool
Friday, 13 December 2024, 3:09 pm | New Zealand Government
Standardised, science-based methodology is a first step at reducing complexity and ensuring farmers have access to tools they can trust, making it easier to understand and tackle on-farm emissions. More >>
Government Sets Target To Reduce Persistent Poverty
Friday, 13 December 2024, 2:32 pm | New Zealand Government
“This is the first time a New Zealand government has set a target to reduce persistent poverty, which Stats NZ defined last month as children living in low-income households before housing costs are applied in the current year and at least two out of the ... More >>
Kaitaia Airport Resolution Takes Flight
Friday, 13 December 2024, 2:23 pm | New Zealand Government
Today the pathway for Kaitaia Airport to return to NgāiTakoto and Ngāti Kahu hapū was cleared; NgāiTakoto confirmed they will purchase Kaitaia Airport in line with their Treaty settlement provisions. More >>
Certainty About Kaitaia Airport A Relief For Locals
Friday, 13 December 2024, 2:07 pm | New Zealand National Party
“Kaitaia Airport is an important piece of infrastructure for our community. It’s used as a Civil Defence base, regional air ambulance flights, and an alternative to the State Highway network. More >>
Next Phase Of Whangārei Hospital Development Underway
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:50 pm | New Zealand Government
Dr Reti says the $35 million unit, Tira Ora, replaces the existing children’s clinic with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility which will provide significantly more capacity and comfort for patients and staff. More >>
New Appointments To The Sport NZ Board
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:44 pm | New Zealand Government
“Megan Campbell, John Fiso (ONZM), Kathryn Irving and Ken Laban will collectively bring strong governance experience in the community, sporting and recreational sectors to the board,” Mr Bishop says. More >>
Judicial Appointments Announced
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:38 pm | New Zealand Government
Lay members assist the Court in cases involving appeals from decisions of the Commerce Commission and in other matters under the Commerce Act. More >>
Record Wild Goat Hunting Competition Removes 12,935 Goats
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:33 pm | New Zealand Government
“This is fantastic result demonstrates the importance and benefit of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats cause to farmland and native ecosystems," Mr McClay says More >>
Three Strikes Bill Passes Third Reading
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:27 pm | New Zealand Government
“Reinstating the Three Strikes regime will help keep New Zealanders safer while sending a strong message to those who keep committing these serious crimes that they will face increasingly serious consequences,” Mrs McKee says. More >>
Local MPs Welcome Manawatū Tolling Decision
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:23 pm | New Zealand National Party
“It has been encouraging to see locals and businesses take part in a robust consultation process on the tolling proposal for the new Manawatū Tararua Highway,” Ms Redmayne says. More >>
Government To Enable Tolling To Accelerate Investment In Roads
Friday, 13 December 2024, 1:17 pm | New Zealand Government
Tolling is a tool used around the world to accelerate investment in roading infrastructure, and the changes the Government is making will allow this approach to be applied in New Zealand more effectively. More >>
Sue Brake Appointed To Guardians NZ Board
Friday, 13 December 2024, 11:57 am | New Zealand Government
“Sue Brake brings more than two decades of experience in investment management, governance and strategic advice and I look forward to seeing her contribution to Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation,” Nicola Willis says. More >>
Four Weeks Annual Leave Under Threat
Friday, 13 December 2024, 11:50 am | New Zealand Labour Party
With the Holidays Act being one of the biggest concerns for business - scrapping work on the legislation leaves both workers and business with no certainty over the future. More >>
Govt’s Emissions Plan For Measly 1% Reduction
Friday, 13 December 2024, 11:33 am | Green Party
The Climate Commission signalled in April that to ensure a liveable future we need tighter emissions budgets and more ambitious measures. Instead of taking this advice seriously, the Government has delivered a final plan that somehow reduces even less ... More >>
Supporting Safe, Secure, Responsible Use Of Space
Friday, 13 December 2024, 11:31 am | New Zealand Government
“The new regulations are intended to prevent the establishment or use of ground-based space infrastructure in New Zealand by entities that do not share our values or interests,” Ms Collins says. More >>
Mental Health Targets Provide Foundation To Build On
Friday, 13 December 2024, 11:15 am | New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is glad to see 80 per cent of Kiwis receiving access to specialist mental health and addiction services within three weeks. More >>
Invigorating New Zealand’s Capital Markets
Friday, 13 December 2024, 10:44 am | New Zealand Government
“Kiwis work incredibly hard but do not see the same level of return for their labour as other advanced nations. The Government is committed to turning this around and improving productivity so that Kiwis can benefit from higher living standards." More >>
Greens Stand In Solidarity With Whakaata Māori On Sad Day
Friday, 13 December 2024, 10:25 am | Green Party
The Green Party recognises the significant contribution of Whakaata Māori in influencing how Māori perceive themselves and how the world perceives Māori. More >>
TIPENE To Open In Term 1 2025
Friday, 13 December 2024, 10:20 am | New Zealand Government
“Every child deserves an education that gives them the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. TIPENE is a fantastic example of a school that will give families and educators more meaningful educational choice ... More >>
Consultation Opens On Fisheries Sustainability
Friday, 13 December 2024, 9:30 am | New Zealand Government
Catch limits for spiny red rock lobster in CRA 2 (Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty) CRA 7 (Otago), and Pacific bluefin tuna in TOR 1 (all of New Zealand), are being reviewed. More >>
Sanctions Regime To Create More Hardship For Families
Friday, 13 December 2024, 9:29 am | Green Party
The Social Security Amendment Bill takes old policies from Australia that are well documented to have failed, and looks to repurpose them in our country where they are destined to push people deeper and deeper into hardship. More >>
Minister Responds To Consultation On Holidays Act
Friday, 13 December 2024, 8:39 am | New Zealand Government
“The Government recently conducted targeted consultation on an exposure draft Bill which built on work that had started under the previous Government. The feedback I have seen indicates that the draft Bill is not going to solve the issues of the ... More >>
Gravy Train Well And Truly Over For Consultants
Friday, 13 December 2024, 8:31 am | New Zealand Government
Minister for Public Service Nicola says it shows “consultant gravy train is well and truly over”. “Taxpayers are not a cash cow for consultants & contractors to line their pockets. I’m delighted at the savings - it shows where there is a ... More >>
Welcome Progress On Youth Vaping
Friday, 13 December 2024, 8:08 am | New Zealand Government
The ASH survey showed daily vaping rates for year 10 students falling to 8.7%. This is in line with the recent NZ Health Survey results which also showed a significant reduction in daily vaping rates for 15-17-year-olds. More >>
Stalking Legislation Takes First Step
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 9:05 pm | New Zealand Government
“This comes as part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring there 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, and delivers on the promises made in our Q4 Action Plan,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. More >>
ACT Celebrates New Tools To Prevent Benefit Exploitation
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 8:38 pm | ACT New Zealand
"This is real change that will make it far harder to exploit the benefit system," says ACT Social Development and Employment spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar. More >>
New Tools To Be Added To Traffic Light System
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 8:36 pm | New Zealand Government
“The Social Security Amendment Bill expands the welfare Traffic Light System that launched in August with new tools for keeping beneficiaries on track with their obligations to find work if they're able,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise ... More >>
Govt Gifts Renters Housing Anxiety For Christmas
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:50 pm | Green Party
“The Government is giving renters a Christmas gift that no-one asked for: no-cause evictions,” says the Green Party's Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. More >>
Changes To Encourage More Rental Homes Passed Into Law
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:47 pm | New Zealand Government
“The suite of sensible pro-tenant and pro-landlord changes in the Bill passed into law by Parliament today will give landlords confidence to re-enter the market and tenants more ability to secure a rental home – including for their beloved household ... More >>
Residential Tenancies Act Changes Will Increase Access To Housing
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:42 pm | ACT New Zealand
“ACT’s longstanding position has been that Labour’s restrictive tenancy rules hurt both tenant and landlord. They made it harder to get rid of problem tenants, which put landlords off taking a chance on people in need of a home. Everyone lost." More >>
NZGIF Update
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:30 pm | New Zealand Government
Ms Tarrant will stand down with effect from 20 December. David Woods, the Deputy Chair of NZGIF, will act as Chair for the coming months while decisions are made on the future direction of NZGIF. More >>
Aucklanders Save $899 Million In Water Charges With Local Water Done Well
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 3:24 pm | New Zealand Government
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says the Watercare Charter which was developed by the Secretary for Local Government in consultation with the Commerce Commission and Auckland Council will deliver key benefits for ratepayers. More >>
Fintech Innovation To Boost Consumer Competition
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 3:16 pm | New Zealand Government
“Entrepreneurial Kiwis have already developed a number of world-leading fintech companies, but we need to multiply that success several times over. Our ambition is not to have one or two unicorns but a scalable fintech industry that employs Kiwis ... More >>
Fresh Rules For Hairdressers In Sight
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 2:42 pm | New Zealand National Party
“The red tape strangling barbers and hairdressers needs to be cut down to size. It’s fantastic news that an industry badly in need of a regulatory blow-dry and a proper touch-up is now in the spotlight." More >>
Hairdressers And Barbers To Receive A Regulatory Clean Shave
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 2:39 pm | New Zealand Government
“The review will seek to give the industry a regulatory ‘buzz cut’, as barbers and hairdressers deal with regulations which have been out of style since the 80s." More >>
National MP’s Bill Would Enhance Access To Govt Services
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 1:44 pm | New Zealand National Party
“If pulled, my members bill would give agencies five years to create this much needed consistency, making services easier to navigate and access." More >>
Karen Walker And Keven Mealamu Join CNZ Board
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 1:37 pm | New Zealand Government
"I am excited to have these two highly respected individuals join Creative New Zealand, who will undoubtedly add great experience and perspectives to New Zealand’s leading arts body." More >>
Health Targets Encouraging – Work Continues
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 1:30 pm | New Zealand Government
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says while there is much more work to do, health target results in the three months to 30 September are encouraging, as we see them stabilise. More >>
Second RMA Amendment Bill Introduced To Parliament
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 1:08 pm | New Zealand Government
The changes in the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill are in five broad categories. More >>
Independent Review Of ACC Announced
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 11:40 am | New Zealand Government
“ACC provides critical support to New Zealanders in times of need, but I am concerned that ACC’s performance has been declining for a decade. Rehabilitation rates are down, weekly compensation costs are up and average costs per claim are up,” Mr ... More >>
A Week Of Real Change
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 11:34 am | ACT New Zealand
The Haps ACT is rising in the polls, thanks to Free Press readers and their friends and allies. More Charter Schools were announced last week to engage children who aren’t reaching their full potential in existing schools. They included: a successful ... More >>
New Research To Aid Tourism And Hospitality Sector
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 10:39 am | New Zealand Government
“Government investment totalling around $3 million will fund essential research including a domestic visitor survey, tourism sentiment survey, new research into tourism volumes and flows, and insights into hospitality and restaurant spending,” ... More >>
National Party Urged To Support Modern Slavery Legislation
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 8:52 am | New Zealand Labour Party
“Christopher Luxon said modern slavery was an issue he would march in the streets for – well here’s his chance,” Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich said. More >>
Food And Fibre Sector Set To Break Records
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 8:27 am | New Zealand Government
“The hard work and innovation of our world leading farmers, growers, fishers, foresters and processors are driving these exceptional results,” Mr McClay says. More >>
Thai Foreign Minister To Visit
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 3:09 pm | New Zealand Government
While in New Zealand, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will also meet with Trade Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts. More >>
Bill To Sanction Unlawful Occupation Of Palestine
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 2:27 pm | Green Party
The bare minimum people should expect from their representatives is to put substance behind words. Our Parliament unanimously passed an almost identical Act in support of Ukraine and we can and should do it for Palestine, says Green Party co-leader More >>
One Year On, Still No Progress On New Ferries
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 1:58 pm | Green Party
By undermining rail and pushing more trucks on our road system, the Government is creating more carbon emissions and further hampering our country’s progress on meeting its international climate change commitments. More >>
Nicola Willis’ Smaller Ferries Will Cost More
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 1:32 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
Nicola Willis came into Government and immediately rolled back the ferries deal with no plan B. It was a knee-jerk reaction and Kiwi companies and taxpayers will pay the price, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says. More >>
Ferries Decision A Win For Taxpayers
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 1:21 pm | ACT New Zealand
Indicative costings for the two new ferries and landside development are approximately half the at least $3 billion cost of iReX, of which the Crown was asked to fund approximately $2.2 billion. More >>
New Ferries Will Ensure Safe, Resilient Connection
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 1:17 pm | New Zealand Government
The ferries are expected to begin operation in 2029 as the existing ferries reach the end of their operating lives. More >>
PM Appoints Peters As Minister For Rail
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 1:06 pm | New Zealand Government
The Minister for Rail will take on the responsibility formerly held by the Minister of SOEs for KiwiRail, NZ Railways Corporation and the new schedule 4a company that is being set up to deliver the ferries. More >>
Gisborne Receives Mental Health Beds Boost
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 12:31 pm | New Zealand Government
“I have been clear that we need to build a strong mental health and addiction system that spans prevention, early intervention, primary mental health services and specialist services,” Mr Doocey says. More >>
