Latest Parliament Headlines [Page 4]
Open Ocean Salmon Farm A Win For The Economy
Friday, 1 March 2024, 10:00 am | New Zealand Government
The final approval of New Zealand King Salmon’s Blue Endeavour open ocean aquaculture project is a significant step for New Zealand’s aquaculture, and a win for the economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Blue Endeavour will be ... More >>
NZ - UAE trade agreement consultation begins
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 6:52 pm | New Zealand Government
Following a meeting with UAE Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Trade Minister Todd McClay has launched public consultation for a trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab ... More >>
No Rehab, No Parole Bill A Step Closer To Law
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 5:45 pm | ACT New Zealand
ACT is celebrating the passage of the Parole (Mandatory Completion of Rehabilitative Programmes) Amendment Bill through its first reading in Parliament today. “I’d like to thank all of my colleagues in ACT, National, New Zealand First, and Labour, ... More >>
ACT Congratulates Wayne Brown On Review Of Woke Procurement
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 5:32 pm | ACT New Zealand
“The Auckland Mayor’s move to review woke procurement policies should prompt other councils – and central government – to do the same,” says ACT Local Government spokesman Cameron Luxton. “ACT believes the purpose of government procurement is ... More >>
Minister Thanks Public Service Commissioner
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 3:53 pm | New Zealand Government
Public Service Minister Nicola Willis has thanked retiring Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes for his 43 years of service. Mr Hughes retires today, after serving eight years as Public Service Commissioner. “Peter Hughes is an outstanding public ... More >>
Tourism Data Shows Determination Of The Sector
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 3:03 pm | New Zealand Government
New tourism data out today shows the continued importance of tourism to the New Zealand economy as tourism steps up to become our second-biggest export earner, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says. “The Tourism Satellite Account shows how strongly tourism ... More >>
Housing Minister Thanks Outgoing Kāinga Ora Chair
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 2:23 pm | New Zealand Government
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has today thanked outgoing Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities Chair Vui Mark Gosche for his many years of public service. “Mr Gosche tendered his resignation as Chair yesterday evening. He will remain a member of the ... More >>
Travel Bans On Extremist Israeli Settlers
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 2:03 pm | New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have announced travel bans on a number of extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. “New Zealand is seriously concerned ... More >>
New Sanctions Package Against Russia
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 2:02 pm | New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced a new package of sanctions as part of the ongoing international sanction response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The new sanctions are: Implementation of the G7-plus price ... More >>
NZ Designates Entirety Of Hamas As Terrorist Entity
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 2:01 pm | New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have announced today the designation of Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist entity. “The terrorist attacks by Hamas in October 2023 were brutal and we have unequivocally condemned ... More >>
Government Announces Independent Review Of Forestry ETS Costs
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 9:42 am | New Zealand Government
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today announced an independent review into the forestry component of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Register to ensure it is efficient and cost-effective. “Up and down the country forestry owners have been ... More >>
Access Barriers To PET-CT Scans Removed
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 9:33 am | New Zealand Government
New Zealanders now have the same access to PET-CT scans no matter where they live, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has approved funding an updated National set of criteria that will allow for about 1,000 more ... More >>
Air New Zealand And Singapore Airlines’ Alliance Extended
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 2:24 pm | New Zealand Government
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey announced today that the Government has extended Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines’ strategic alliance for another five years. “Reauthorising this strategic partnership means that passengers flying ... More >>
Health System Reforms Need Further Action
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 12:41 pm | New Zealand Government
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the latest report into New Zealand’s health reforms shows a few benefits, but overall once again demonstrates a lack of leadership by the previous Labour government. The Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) report ... More >>
Urgent Action Needed To Clean Up Labour’s Employment Scam Mess
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 12:33 pm | ACT New Zealand
“ACT welcomes the release of the Public Service Commission’s review into the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme,” says ACT Immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar. “We’re glad to see confirmation that changes are already happening within ... More >>
Govt Commits Māori To A Premature Death With Axing Of Health Authority, Smokefree Laws
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 12:16 pm | Te Pati Maori
The government’s attack on Māori health this week is committing tangata-whenua to a premature death, says Te Pāti Māori. “The government have begun their onslaught on Māori health with the abolishment of the Māori Health Authority and smokefree ... More >>
Parallel Assessment Means New Medicines Assessed Sooner
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 10:41 am | New Zealand Government
Pharmac is changing its process so it can assess a funding application at the same time Medsafe is assessing the application for regulatory approval. This means that medicines will be able to be considered for funding sooner in New Zealand. “Access ... More >>
New Zealand Dodges Dopey Experiment In Prohibition
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 3:39 pm | ACT New Zealand
“Labour’s attempted crackdown on smokers would have delivered criminal groups a near-monopoly over the cigarette trade,” says ACT Health spokesman Todd Stephenson, welcoming the imminent passage of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products ... More >>
Smokefree Amendment Bill Introduced
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 3:18 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government has today introduced an Amendment Bill that will repeal three parts of the previous Government’s planned changes to regulate smoked tobacco. “The Coalition Government is committed to the Smokefree 2025 goal, but we are taking a ... More >>
Targeted Support For Young People
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 3:12 pm | New Zealand Government
Recently allocated Ministry of Youth Development funding will support more than 6700 young people to receive targeted youth development support to remain in education or transition to further training or employment and improve their wellbeing, Youth ... More >>
Health Services To Be Targeted Based On Need, Not Race
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 1:41 pm | ACT New Zealand
“Scrapping the Māori Health Authority brings the health system closer to ACT’s ideal of services delivered based on individual need, not group identity,” says ACT Health spokesman Todd Stephenson in response to legislation introduced by the ... More >>
Minister Accepts Findings Of AEWV Scheme Review
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 12:54 pm | New Zealand Government
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has received the findings of the Assurance Review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Scheme released today by the Public Service Commission. “The report highlights serious issues, and I am disappointed that appropriate ... More >>
Reshaping The Health System To Bring Māori Health Closer To Home
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 12:39 pm | New Zealand Government
Legislation that will disestablish the Māori Health Authority will be introduced in Parliament today, heralding the start of a new vision for Māori health says Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti. “We have said we will bring healthcare for all New Zealanders ... More >>
Te Pāti Māori Request Urgent Debate To Stop Dictatorship Government
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 10:35 am | Te Pati Maori
Te Pāti Māori has this morning written to the speaker of the house requesting an urgent debate around the use and abuse of urgency to expedite the progression of its agenda, including the disestablishment of the Māori health authority. “The ... More >>
NZ Welcomes Australia And Brazil To Agreements
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 10:07 am | New Zealand Government
New Zealand has welcomed Australia to the Inclusive Trade Action Group (ITAG) and Australia and Brazil to the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA) Minister for Trade Todd McClay says. As the current chair of ITAG and GTAGA, Minister McClay ... More >>
Speech To The Wellington Chamber Of Commerce
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 9:30 am | New Zealand Government
Good morning. Can I start by acknowledging Simon and the team at the Chamber. Thanks for the invitation to be here today. Introduction In October last year New Zealanders voted for change. The Coalition government was elected with a clear mandate to rebuild ... More >>
New Chair For Guardians Of NZ Superannuation
Monday, 26 February 2024, 1:06 pm | New Zealand Government
Hon Nicola Willis Minister of Finance Company director and investor John Williamson has been appointed as the new Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, the Crown entity that oversees the NZ Super Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital ... More >>
Northland Open For Business As Critical Works To Repair SH1 Brynderwyn Hills Begin
Monday, 26 February 2024, 12:01 pm | New Zealand Government
Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Transport The Government is encouraging New Zealanders to support, visit, and explore Northland, as the closure and detour of SH1 at the Bryderwyn Hills begins, and critical repair work by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) ... More >>
Gang Crackdown Welcome And Overdue
Sunday, 25 February 2024, 2:34 pm | ACT New Zealand
“ACT welcomes the Government cracking down on gangs and the introduction of ACT’s policies to do it. After five years of Labour cuddling criminals and ignoring victims, it’s time for gangs to see consequences for their actions,” says ACT Justice ... More >>
Government Backs Police To Crackdown On Gangs
Sunday, 25 February 2024, 11:24 am | New Zealand Government
The coalition Government is restoring law and order by providing police new tools to crack down on criminal gangs, says Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Over the last five years gangs have recruited more than ... More >>
Northland’s New Kāeo Bridge Officially Open
Saturday, 24 February 2024, 1:37 pm | New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the official opening of the new State Highway 10 (SH10) Kāeo Bridge, which will improve safety and traffic flow for people heading to and from the Far North. “This is an important piece of infrastructure ... More >>
Government Grants $6.6 Million To Clean Up Old Landfill Sites
Saturday, 24 February 2024, 1:35 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government has granted $6.6 million to clean up four historic New Zealand landfill and dump sites vulnerable to extreme weather events and coastal erosion. At the BlueGreens Forum in Paihia today Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said that the Contaminated ... More >>
Dry Weather Triggers Extra Support For Farmers And Growers Across The Top Of The South Island
Friday, 23 February 2024, 5:49 pm | New Zealand Government
The coalition Government is providing support for farmers and growers as dry conditions worsen across the top of the South Island. “Conditions on the ground across the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are now extremely dry and likely to get ... More >>
Trade Minister Heads To Abu Dhabi For Key WTO Negotiations
Friday, 23 February 2024, 1:09 pm | New Zealand Government
Trade Minister Todd McClay travels to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) today, to take up his role as Vice Chair of the negotiations. The Ministerial Conference is the ... More >>
Appointment Round For King’s Counsel Announced
Friday, 23 February 2024, 11:02 am | New Zealand Government
Hon Minister Judith Collins KC Attorney-General Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced an appointment round for King’s Counsel will take place in 2024. Appointments of King’s Counsel are made by the Governor-General on the ... More >>
Retiring Chief Of Navy Thanked For His Service
Friday, 23 February 2024, 9:47 am | New Zealand Government
Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor, for his service as he retires from the Royal New Zealand Navy after 37 years. Rear Admiral Proctor will retire on 16 May to take up an employment opportunity in ... More >>
Indonesian Vice President To Visit New Zealand
Friday, 23 February 2024, 9:41 am | New Zealand Government
Rt Hon Winston Peters Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs Indonesia’s Vice President Ma’ruf Amin will visit New Zealand next week, the first here by an Indonesian leader since 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has announced. ... More >>
Government Boost To Fight Against Caulerpa
Friday, 23 February 2024, 9:03 am | New Zealand Government
Hon Andrew Hoggard Minister for Biosecurity The battle to contain the fast-spreading exotic caulerpa seaweed has today received a $5 million boost to accelerate the development of removal techniques, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The time is now ... More >>
ACT Welcomes Govt’s New Support For Ukraine
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 3:40 pm | ACT New Zealand
“ACT welcomes the Foreign Minister’s announcement of additional support for Ukraine as we approach the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion,” says ACT Defence spokesman Mark Cameron. “Vladimir Putin’s aggression against a sovereign ... More >>
Minister Attending Australian Data, Digital Meeting
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 2:53 pm | New Zealand Government
Hon Judith Collins KC Minister for Digitising Government Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins is in Sydney to attend the first Data and Digital Ministers’ Meeting of 2024. “This is a great opportunity to connect with our Australian counterparts ... More >>
Appointments To Antarctica New Zealand Board
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 1:39 pm | New Zealand Government
Rt Hon Winston Peters Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Leon Grice and Heather Simpson to serve on the Antarctica New Zealand board. “Since taking office, the Coalition Government has become concerned ... More >>
Strengthening The Single Economic Market
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 1:23 pm | New Zealand Government
Hon Nicola Willis Minister of Finance Finance Minister Nicola Willis has met with Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers to discuss the opportunities to lower business costs and increase the ease with which businesses and people can operate across the ... More >>
Government To Address Business Payment Practices
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 1:15 pm | New Zealand Government
Hon Andrew Bayly Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing The Government will repeal the Business Payment Practices Act 2023, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “There is a major problem with large market ... More >>
Greater Focus On Work Will Reduce Child Poverty
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 10:28 am | New Zealand Government
Worsening child poverty rates support the Coalition Government’s focus on reducing the cost of living and getting people into work, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. Figures released by Stats NZ today show child poverty rates have ... More >>
NZ Announces New Support For Ukraine
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 10:11 am | New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have marked two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by announcing further support and sanctions, and extending our military assistance. “Russia launched its illegal, ... More >>
Fees-free Does Nothing To Lift Participation From Low-income Groups
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 9:49 am | ACT New Zealand
“While questioning the Tertiary Education Commission in this week’s Parliament’s Education and Workforce Committee, I was told there is ‘no discernible evidence’ the previous Government’s fees-free scheme has improved participation from low ... More >>
Finalists Of Ahuwhenua Trophy Announced
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 9:44 am | New Zealand Government
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the two finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy at Parliament yesterday. “I am pleased to see such a high calibre of Māori dairy farms featured as finalists this year,” Mr Potaka says. The finalists ... More >>
Finance Minister To Meet Australian Treasurer
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 9:28 am | New Zealand Government
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to Australia today to meet her Australian counterpart, Treasurer Jim Chalmers. “New Zealand and Australia have an incredibly strong trade and investment relationship. The Closer Economic Relations and Single ... More >>
PM Shocked And Saddened At Death Of Efeso Collins
Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 10:57 am | New Zealand Government
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon Prime Minister “I am truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins’ sudden death,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind, and a true champion and advocate ... More >>
Labour Saddened By News Of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 10:48 am | New Zealand Labour Party
The Labour Party is devastated by news of Green MP and long-time Labour member Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, who died during a charity event this morning. “I first met Efeso when he was President of the Auckland Student Association in 1999. We connected because ... More >>
Statement From The Co-leaders Of The Green Party On The Death Of Efeso Collins
Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 10:31 am | Green Party
It is with profound shock and sadness that we can confirm that Green Party MP Efeso Collins has died. “We are absolutely devastated. A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader. “The news today has come as a ... More >>
Greater Support For Social Workers
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 5:48 pm | New Zealand Government
The Coalition Government is enhancing the professionalism of the social work sector and supporting the vulnerable people who rely on them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. The Social Workers Registration Legislation Amendment ... More >>
Cyclone Recovery Taskforce Concludes
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 1:21 pm | New Zealand Government
The Cyclone Recovery Taskforce has been wound down with responsibilities transferred to the Cyclone Recovery Unit, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says. “In making this decision, we have considered how the recovery structures ... More >>
Barbara Edmonds To Take On Finance Role
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 11:44 am | New Zealand Labour Party
Mana MP Barbara Edmonds will take over the Finance portfolio following Grant Robertson’s retirement, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins announced today. “Barb has a background as a specialist tax lawyer and is a formidable Parliamentarian with experience across ... More >>
Grant Robertson To Retire From Parliament
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 11:40 am | New Zealand Labour Party
Labour List MP and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Grant Robertson will retire from Parliament next month, and later in the year take up the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago. “I am extremely grateful for the ... More >>
Government Delivers Greater Freedom And Choice For Sick New Zealanders
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 10:41 am | New Zealand Government
The coalition government is delivering on its commitment to making principled decisions by getting rid of red tape that doesn’t make sense and allowing sick New Zealanders greater freedom and choice to purchase effective cold and flu medicines. More >>
ACT Welcomes Step Toward Real Consequences For Benefit Exploitation
Monday, 19 February 2024, 4:16 pm | ACT New Zealand
“ACT is welcoming the Social Development Minister’s move to set out stronger expectations for the use of benefit sanctions,” says ACT spokesperson for Social Development Dr Parmjeet Parmar. “Benefit sanctions are a crucial lever to deal ... More >>
Benefit Sanctions Will Punish People Who Need Support
Monday, 19 February 2024, 3:53 pm | Green Party
The National-led Government’s plans to arbitrarily increase benefit sanctions will have a lasting impact on the people who need our support the most. “Today’s announcement confirms the Government’s goal of pushing more people into poverty ... More >>
Government Begins Reset Of Welfare System
Monday, 19 February 2024, 3:38 pm | New Zealand Government
The coalition government is taking early action to curb the surge in welfare dependency that occurred under the previous government by setting out its expectations around employment and the use of benefit sanctions, Social Development and Employment Minister ... More >>
NZDF’s Unlawful Covid Mandate Shows Need To Open Up Royal Commission
Monday, 19 February 2024, 12:20 pm | ACT New Zealand
“The Court of Appeal’s ruling against the Defence Force’s vaccination mandate demonstrates the need to open up the independent Covid inquiry,” says ACT Justice and Health spokesman Todd Stephenson. “Jacinda Ardern stressed the independence ... More >>