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X-WR-CALNAME:Christopher Luxon — public schedule
X-WR-CALDESC:Public schedule of Christopher Luxon (Prime Minister of New Zealand)\, via World Leaders Daily
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-0@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Digital hunting permit system hits major milestone
DESCRIPTION:More than 53\,000 hunting permits have been issued through a new self-service online system\, surpassing projections and slashing administrative staff work\, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says. Mr Meager says the milestone shows DOC’s digital upgrades are delivering real results for those applying to hunt on the 7.8m hectares of Public Conservation Land available. “The new system has exceeded expectations and proved a real success story\, with nearly 10\,000 more permits issued than the project team had originally predicted when it launched in late 2024\,” Mr Meager says. “Hunters have embraced the change\, with an average of 2500 people getting permits online each month. Active permits are also up 10 per cent on this time two years ago\, to 36\,000. “The system is doing exactly what it was designed to do. With 99.5 per cent of permits now issued through self-service\, DOC staff are spending around 70 per cent less time on permit admin and more time on conservation. That is estimated to have saved more than $130\,000 in resources.” Mr Meager says the digital upgrades streamlined open permit regions from 54 to eight\, making it easier for hunters to understand where they can go and what is required. It also removed requirements for different applications for different areas. “Permits were extended to from four to 12 months\, while digital versions improved compliance by removing the need to carry printed copies\,” Mr Meager says. “In 2023\, National campaigned on improving outdoor access for Kiwi hunters\, and this milestone is proof that we have listened and delivered. “The momentum is not stopping\, with six balloted hunting areas set to move onto the online system across October and November\, ahead of draws for next season. “This will support fairer allocation for high-demand areas and continue our work to fix the basics and build the future of hunting in New Zealand.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/digital-hunting-permit-system-hits-major-milestone
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/digital-hunting-permit-system-hits-major-milestone
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-1@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Ships Ahoy! Cruise season launches
DESCRIPTION:Close to 200\,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to arrive to New Zealand this season\, a welcome boost for regional tourism\, jobs\, businesses and communities\, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “I was buoyed to welcome the passengers aboard the Crown Princess as she docked in Auckland today\, heralding the beginning of a new cruise season\,” Louise Upston says. “After a challenging few years for the sector\, there are encouraging signs of renewed confidence. Cruise lines recognise the practical steps Government has taken to make it easier to visit New Zealand\, and the stronger coordination between government and industry. “This Government has taken a new approach – to work closely with the cruise sector to improve their ability to do business in New Zealand. We’ve worked hard to ensure New Zealand is positioned as a must-dock destination for cruise lines and passengers this season\, and for many seasons to come. “In April this year I attended Seatrade in the US - the world's largest cruise conference\, and in May I brought government and industry together through the second Cruise Forum to help strengthen New Zealand's position on the global cruise map. “Building a sustainable and resilient cruise sector is a specific action in the Tourism Policy Statement which was released in June. That reflects the important role cruise tourism plays in New Zealand’s economy. “It’s heartening to see broad support for the sector\, including Auckland's Cruise Strategy and ambition for more travellers to begin and end their cruise vacations in the City of Sails\, the development of Bledisloe North Wharf\, and practical solutions to address biofouling requirements. “These improvements provide greater certainty for operators and make it easier for ships and passengers to come to New Zealand. “The return of winter cruising next year and positive signals from cruise lines on future decisions to visit our shores also point to growing momentum for cruise in New Zealand. “I will continue working with cruise lines\, ports\, local government and the tourism sector to build a more predictable and attractive operating environment and support our goal of doubling the value of international tourism by 2034.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ships-ahoy-cruise-season-launches
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ships-ahoy-cruise-season-launches
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-2@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Tiaki Wai spending to be independently scrutinised
DESCRIPTION:Wellingtonians will get independent scrutiny of how Tiaki Wai spends their money\, with the Government imposing tougher regulation on the region's water services provider\, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer say. The Government has accepted a Commerce Commission recommendation to impose performance requirement regulation on Tiaki Wai for the next 10 years - the first time this tool has been used on a water services provider in New Zealand. "Wellingtonians are being asked to pay a great deal\, and they are entitled to know exactly what they are getting for it\," Mr Watts says. "Decades of local underinvestment have left this region with water networks that are not up to standard\, and the cost of fixing them is now landing directly on households. Given the scale of investment required\, strong accountability is essential. "The Government will be watching Tiaki Wai very closely. I have a low threshold for considering further intervention if we do not see clear and sustained performance improvements\," Mr Watts says. "This is about restoring confidence that the money being collected is delivering the infrastructure and services people have been promised." "Under Local Water Done Well\, water charges are ring-fenced. For years the cost of water services was buried inside rates while networks were left to deteriorate – which is partly why Wellington ended up here\," Mr Brewer says. "Transparency on its own is not enough. The Commission – which is the sector’s independent regulator - needs to be able to do more than publish information\, and that’s why we are giving it the power to set binding requirements on Tiaki Wai's performance. "That means the Commission can specify what Tiaki Wai must deliver and by when\, giving greater assurance that major investments are prioritised appropriately\, delivered effectively\, and are achieving the outcomes Wellingtonians are paying for.” "The Commission has signalled its initial focus will be the critical\, high-risk projects Tiaki Wai has already committed to\,” Mr Brewer says. "Tiaki Wai faces an estimated $25 billion of investment over the next 30 years. That is an enormous amount of other people's money\, and Wellingtonians are entitled to expect it goes into pipes and treatment plants. "This is hard accountability\, enforced by an independent regulator with real teeth. It is part of this Government's plan to fix the basics and build the future\, so the money Kiwis hand over buys them the services they were promised\," Mr Brewer says.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tiaki-wai-spending-be-independently-scrutinised
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tiaki-wai-spending-be-independently-scrutinised
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-3@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Improvements made to welfare system
DESCRIPTION:A Bill that better targets financial assistance to those most in need and improves the fiscal sustainability of the welfare system has passed its third reading in Parliament. The Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill implements two initiatives announced in Budget 2025: Tightening eligibility criteria for Jobseeker Support and the equivalent Emergency Benefit for 18- and 19-year-olds\, requiring those people to meet the Parental Assistance Test before receiving the benefit\; and Adjusting the calculation for the Accommodation Supplement for homeowners based on the homeowner contributing 40 percent\, not 30 percent of their income to housing costs\, before being eligible for a subsidy. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the legislation reflects the Government’s commitment to reduce benefit dependency and encourage people into work. “New Zealanders deserve a welfare system that is firm\, fair and simple. “This legislation reinforces the expectation that young people who are not in employment\, education or training should be financially supported by their parents\, not by taxpayers through the welfare system. “Changes to the calculation for the Accommodation Supplement better target that support to those who need it most. “Importantly\, it does not apply to homeowners who are receiving New Zealand Superannuation\, Veteran’s Pension\, Supported Living Payment\, or the Emergency Benefit that is the equivalent to the Supported Living Payment. The partner or spouse of a recipient of one of those benefits will also not be impacted by the change.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/improvements-made-welfare-system
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/improvements-made-welfare-system
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-4@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:PM and Foreign Affairs Minister to attend PIF
DESCRIPTION:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. “New Zealand wants a Pacific region that is peaceful\, prosperous\, and resilient. “The Pacific is facing a more complex set of challenges than ever before\, and no one country can respond to them alone\,” Mr Luxon says. “Overseas conflicts\, economic uncertainty\, and geopolitical competition have significant implications for Pacific countries\, and we are feeling the consequences of these events more than ever. “That is why we will be in Palau\, working with our Pacific counterparts to deliver practical outcomes for our region.” Mr Peters says the Pacific has been a central focus of the Government's Foreign Policy Reset. “We have placed a huge emphasis on the Pacific. For the first time in New Zealand history\, we have undertaken high-level visits to all Pacific Islands Forum countries in the space of a single term\,” he says. “On top of that\, we have welcomed a range of Pacific leaders to New Zealand. "This has been a vital programme of engagement with Pacific partners as we look ahead to New Zealand hosting the Forum next year." Mr Peters will travel to Palau with a range of Pacific Leaders on 29 August\, returning to New Zealand on 2 September\, while Mr Luxon will travel from 3-5 September to attend the Pacific Leaders’ Retreat. New Zealand will host the PIF Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-and-foreign-affairs-minister-attend-pif
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-and-foreign-affairs-minister-attend-pif
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-5@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Agritech project to lift apple productivity
DESCRIPTION:The Government is backing a research programme to drive productivity and improve profits in the apple industry\, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced at the Horticulture New Zealand Young Grower of the Year competition in Cromwell on Friday. “The project will develop hyperspectral imaging technology (light-based scanning that sees inside fruit without cutting into it) to understand what is going on under the skin of an apple\, as it enters the packhouse and during storage\,” says Mr McClay. “Better information about internal defects and fruit quality could help exporters make earlier decisions about storage\, packing and when to ship them out. That means more chance of fruit reaching markets in top condition with less waste.” The Government is investing $1.84 million through the Primary Sector Growth Fund\, with the project lead – Auckland agritech company Hectre – contributing the balance of the $4.6 million project over three years. Hectre already collects sizing\, colour\, and quality data from billions of pieces of fruit each year. The new programme extends its research from surface characteristics to understand what is going on inside an apple\, including maturity\, starch content and firmness. That usually requires someone cutting into and sampling fruit\, which is slow\, destructive and imprecise. The new technology aims to scan fruit at commercial throughput speeds in the packhouse\, giving operators real-time data. Mr McClay says this type of innovation is essential for the horticulture sector to grow. “The Government investment will help bring this technology to market sooner\, giving our apple industry a competitive advantage and support stronger growth across the sector.” The programme aims to develop a proof-of-concept algorithm targeting at least 80 per cent detection accuracy by June 2027\, and a packhouse prototype validated under commercial conditions by June 2028. “The apple and pear industry contributes more than $1 billion to New Zealand's economy each year and supports jobs and communities across our regions\,” says Mr McClay. “Projects like this demonstrate how smart investment in science\, technology and innovation can improve productivity\, strengthen export performance and create new opportunities for New Zealand agritech companies on the global stage.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/agritech-project-lift-apple-productivity
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/agritech-project-lift-apple-productivity
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-6@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Laws passed to strengthen emergency management system
DESCRIPTION:New legislation to strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system has passed its final reading in Parliament today\, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery\, Mark Mitchell says. “This is a major milestone\, giving us a modern\, fit-for-purpose legal framework to manage the more frequent and complex emergencies New Zealand is facing. “I have seen firsthand the difficult situations local authorities can be confronted with in an emergency. Updates to emergency powers and procedures for declarations will ensure they can do their jobs more effectively when an emergency happens. “The new legislation also makes roles and responsibilities clearer\, helping key players in the system. “Communities and iwi Māori will have a stronger voice in emergency management\, through representation on emergency management committees and greater involvement in developing regional and national emergency management plans. “Effective emergency management shouldn’t be a postcode lottery. The Bill gives the Director-General and the Emergency Management Minister new tools to set clear expectations for the sector and enable national consistency where it’s beneficial to do so. “I know how distressing it is to leave pets and other animals behind in an emergency because there’s no other option. The Bill will improve how animal welfare is managed during and after emergencies\, including through a new power allowing authorised emergency management responders to enter premises where animals need help\,” says Mr Mitchell. “The Bill delivers improvements identified through past inquiries and reviews and is a catalyst for the wider programme of work to strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system. This includes funding through Budget 2026 for the modern operational technology systems the sector needs\, including a common operating picture\, along with further operational improvements set out in the Strengthening Emergency Management Roadmap\, which Cabinet has agreed to in principle. “I also intend to commence a review of the current National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan once the Bill comes into force. “I’ve been on the ground during many events and seen how hard our communities and the emergency management sector work together to support those who need it. I look forward to us building a stronger system together\, using the additional support this new legislation provides.” Notes to editors: The Bill replaces the 24-year-old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 Most provisions in the Bill will come into force on the day following Royal assent\, apart from the following provisions which will have delayed commencement: provisions relating to compliance orders (delayed by 6 months) provisions regarding the coordination and use of resources outside of a state of emergency or transition period (delayed by 12 months) provisions relating to the appointment of District and Local Controllers and Recovery Managers (delayed by 12 months) provisions relating to the content of regional emergency management plans (delayed by 12 months) provisions relating to lead agencies will come into force two years after Royal assent or an earlier date set by Order in Council. The Bill builds on the framework established by the CDEM Act and retains: consideration of all hazards – natural and man-made an end-to-end approach to managing the risks from those hazards\, i.e. requiring action across the “4 Rs” of risk reduction\, readiness\, response\, and recovery a devolved structure\, with responsibilities across the 4Rs held at both the local and national levels.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/laws-passed-strengthen-emergency-management-system
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/laws-passed-strengthen-emergency-management-system
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-7@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Chinese minister visits New Zealand for ministerial climate dialogue
DESCRIPTION:Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has hosted China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu for the Seventh Ministerial Climate Change Dialogue between New Zealand and China. “Cooperation on climate action is a longstanding and valuable part of our relationship with China\,” Mr Watts says. “This is the third Dialogue I have led with Minister Huang and this meeting has been an opportunity to build on the strong and constructive relationship we have developed over recent years.” While in New Zealand\, Minister Huang has been able to learn more about Kiwi expertise in climate innovation and technology. He also had the opportunity to visit Zealandia\, a unique conservation sanctuary showcasing New Zealand's native biodiversity. “There are opportunities for us to strengthen our collaboration in areas such as agricultural methane emissions and sustainable finance\,” Mr Watts says. “Continued engagement enables us to share experiences\, learn from one another\, and explore practical ways to support the transition to low-emissions economies. “Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation. Constructive dialogue and practical cooperation with key partners such as China is important to advancing effective and durable climate solutions.” New Zealand’s climate engagement with China is underpinned by the 2014 New Zealand-China Arrangement on Climate Change Cooperation\, which was updated during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to China in June 2025.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/chinese-minister-visits-new-zealand-ministerial-climate-dialogue
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/chinese-minister-visits-new-zealand-ministerial-climate-dialogue
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-8@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Final AML/CFT Bill targets criminals\, cuts red tape for Kiwis
DESCRIPTION:The fourth and final bill in the Government’s overhaul of New Zealand’s anti-money laundering laws will soon be introduced to Parliament\, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. “The AML/CFT (Omnibus) Amendment Bill represents the most substantial reform of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act since it was passed in 2009\,” says Mrs McKee. “For too long\, our AML rules have treated ordinary New Zealanders as though they are potential criminals first and customers second. That has meant unnecessary paperwork\, delays and frustration for people doing perfectly normal things like establishing a family trust\, opening a bank account for their child\, or buying and selling property. “The Government has pushed for a system that targets actual risk rather than burying every New Zealander and every business under the same compliance burden. “This Bill delivers that by giving businesses greater flexibility to simplify customer verification where the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing is low. Resources can then be focused where the risks are real. “The Bill also strengthens the tools available to deal with genuinely suspicious activity\, including allowing an issuing officer\, such as a judge or Justice of the Peace\, to approve the temporary freezing of high-risk transactions and accounts. “It will also create powers to regulate cash payments involving remittance services and virtual assets\, such as cryptocurrencies and tokens\, where there is evidence that restrictions are necessary to address criminal misuse. “Before any regulations are made\, the Ministry of Justice will consult affected users and providers so the Government understands the real-world consequences for legitimate customers and businesses. “Our aim is to reduce criminal misuse and harm while allowing lawful transactions to continue. “This Bill completes a reform programme that is already delivering practical improvements. Changes passed in 2025 and 2026 removed the requirement to verify address information for standard customer due diligence\, and removed the mandatory requirement for costly source of wealth verification simply because a customer was using a family trust. “Earlier reforms also established the Department of Internal Affairs as the single AML/CFT regulator\, replacing a fragmented system with one regulator responsible for providing clearer and more consistent guidance. “Taken together\, these reforms move New Zealand away from rigid box-ticking and towards regulation based on actual risk. “New Zealand needs effective safeguards against money laundering and terrorist financing\, and we will continue to meet our international obligations. But good regulation should be proportionate\, targeted and workable. That is what these reforms are designed to deliver.” Notes to editors: Given the proximity of the General Election\, the Ministry of Justice intends to consult on any proposals for regulations to restrict cash payments for remittance services and virtual assets in early 2027\, allowing meaningful engagement with affected users and providers. A copy of the Bill is attached.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/final-amlcft-bill-targets-criminals-cuts-red-tape-kiwis
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/final-amlcft-bill-targets-criminals-cuts-red-tape-kiwis
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-9@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Realm leaders meet in Auckland
DESCRIPTION:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the leaders of the Cook Islands\, Niue\, and Tokelau have met in Auckland today for the inaugural Realm of New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting. “These are our closest relationships. We are all part of the Realm of New Zealand - bound by history\, culture\, the deep connections between our peoples\, and our special constitutional arrangements\,” Mr Luxon says. “While I have met with Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi\, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Ulu of Tokelau Alapati Tavite before\, this is the first time we have met together as leaders of the Realm. “We discussed our priorities for our region\, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week\, and how we can make the most of our Realm partnership. “I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Tagelagi\, who proposed this initiative and co-hosted the meeting today. “Our relationships with the Cook Islands\, Niue\, and Tokelau are all distinct\, but we share a special connection as Realm partners\,” Mr Luxon says.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/realm-leaders-meet-auckland
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/realm-leaders-meet-auckland
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UID:nz-pm-20260828-10@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260828
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
SUMMARY:Turnaround Plan a win for injured New Zealanders
DESCRIPTION:Injured New Zealanders are returning to sport\, work and their communities sooner as the Accident Compensation Corporation puts a renewed focus on rehabilitation\, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson says. “The results are clear – people with less serious injuries\, like sprains\, are returning to work and independence sooner. That’s better for injured New Zealanders\, their families and employers\, and it reduces pressure on the scheme. Ultimately\, this is about ensuring ACC is sustainable for future generations\,” Mr Simpson says. ACC’s Turnaround Plan was launched seven months ago to improve rehabilitation for clients and to ensure a stronger future for the scheme. “One of the most important changes ACC has made is reintroducing the one-on-one case manager system for most weekly compensation clients\, so they have one point of contact for their claim\,” Mr Simpson says. The latest results show long-term claims\, excluding sensitive claims\, are down four per cent compared with July last year\, with fewer clients receiving weekly compensation for more than one year. Rehabilitation outcomes are critical to the Scheme’s future. In 2025\, ACC spent $4.4 billion on treatment and rehabilitation and $3.1 billion on weekly compensation for more than 160\,000 people unable to work because of injury. Those injuries resulted in more than 20.8 million working days lost and $8.7 billion in lost economic output. “This isn’t about reducing support for people who genuinely need it. Those with serious and persistent injuries will continue to receive the support they need – that has not changed\,” Mr Simpson says. “The ACC scheme is something we can be proud of in New Zealand. Few countries in the world have such a comprehensive scheme that helps so many – but we can’t have people remaining on the scheme for months when they could be supported to recover and return to independence sooner\,” Mr Simpson says. “There’s still more work to do\, but the results show encouraging progress.” Editor notes: Monthly reports on Turnaround Plan progress can be found on the ACC website. Turnaround Plan report and documents: July monthly report ACC 2026/27 Turnaround Plan ACC Injuries in New Zealand report 2025\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/turnaround-plan-win-injured-new-zealanders
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/turnaround-plan-win-injured-new-zealanders
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-0@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:UAE trade agreement delivering the goods
DESCRIPTION:Exporters are seeing significant benefits from the United Arab Emirates free trade agreement just one year in\, says Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. “New Zealand goods exports to the UAE are already up seven per cent\, to $1.4 billion\, in the first year of the New Zealand-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). “Two-way goods trade exceeded $1.6 billion to July 2026. This is a fantastic result\, given recent disruptions to trade in the region\, and shows the Government was right to target this market for a free trade agreement\,” says Mr McClay. “Services businesses are also doing well\, gaining major contracts in the tourism sector\, highlighting the opportunities for New Zealand firms in the UAE’s growing technology-enabled visitor economy.” The CEPA was New Zealand’s fastest-ever FTA negotiation. Launched on 7 May 2024 and concluded on 26 September 2024. The agreement was signed on 14 January 2025 and entered into force on 28 August 2025. It removed tariffs on 98.5 per cent of New Zealand exports from day one. It includes practical trade-smoothing measures including customs clearance commitments (six-hour release of perishable goods)\, promoting paperless trade\, and recognition of New Zealand’s food safety and biosecurity systems. “This demonstrates the tangible benefits to New Zealand from increased access to high value international markets\,” Mr McClay says. “We produce high quality products and services that are in demand\, and this Government is focused on opening doors for our exporters to step through.” Dairy exports increased by 15 per cent\, adding $128 million in export earnings to reach $1 billion. Wood exports grew by 70 per cent\, while sheep meat exports increased by 61 per cent compared with the previous year. “The UAE is New Zealand's largest trading partner in the Gulf region and an important gateway to markets across the Middle East and beyond. This impressive start demonstrates the value of closer economic ties and the opportunities available to New Zealand businesses in the UAE\,” Mr McClay says. Find more information at www.mfat.govt.nz/NZUAEcepa\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/uae-trade-agreement-delivering-goods
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/uae-trade-agreement-delivering-goods
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-1@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:New Associate High Court Judge appointed
DESCRIPTION:Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointment of Auckland Barrister Sarah Elizabeth Wroe as an Associate Judge of the High Court. Associate Judge Wroe graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1997 as a Bachelor Scholar of Christ’s College\, achieving First Class Honours in Law in her final year. In 1998 she completed the Bar Vocational Course with the Inns of Court School of Law in London. She practised as a Barrister in Bristol for seven years (1998-2005) specialising in criminal and personal injury law and trained as a mediator at Regent’s College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London. In 2006 Associate Judge Wroe emigrated to New Zealand with her family\, initially spending three years raising her children and then working as a lay advocate for a boutique law firm set up to assist leaky homeowners. She gained admission as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand in August 2011. She was a Senior Solicitor/Senior Associate with Martelli McKegg until September 2015\, then a Senior Associate in a specialist litigation firm until 2017. In June 2017 Associate Judge Wroe resumed practice as a barrister sole at Eldon Chambers in Auckland\, with a specialist commercial and civil litigation practice focussing on property disputes (including trusts and estates) and sports law. For several years she taught Advocacy\, Civil Litigation and Property Law at the College of Law. She was appointed an Appeals Commissioner for the New Zealand Olympic Committee in 2025. Associate Judge Wroe’s appointment as an Associate High Court Judge will take effect on 14 September 2026\, and she will sit in Auckland.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-associate-high-court-judge-appointed-0
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-associate-high-court-judge-appointed-0
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-2@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:Foreign Minister visit strengthens ties with Indonesia
DESCRIPTION:The Foreign Ministers of New Zealand and Indonesia\, Winston Peters and Sugiono\, held productive talks in Auckland today. “Indonesia is an indispensable partner for New Zealand in these turbulent times\,” Mr Peters said. “We are ambitious to do more together\, and today’s talks focused on practical areas where our cooperation can deliver for both countries\, including on food security and renewable energy.” The Ministers reviewed the New Zealand-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership and its 2025–2029 Plan of Action. “We are making good progress towards our goal of NZ$6 billion in two-way trade by 2029. But there is much more we can and should be doing together\,” Mr Peters says. “That means intensifying work to remove barriers to trade\, strengthening economic cooperation and making the most of improved air links between our countries.” The Ministers also discussed cooperation in agriculture\, education and defence and security\; as well as important regional and global developments. “New Zealand sees Indonesia as a partner for the long term. As we look towards 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028\, we have strong ambitions to keep growing this relationship\,” Mr Peters says. Following their talks\, Ministers Peters and Sugiono released a Joint Statement setting out the full range of discussions and agreed next steps. Mr Sugiono departs New Zealand tomorrow\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/foreign-minister-visit-strengthens-ties-indonesia-0
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/foreign-minister-visit-strengthens-ties-indonesia-0
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-3@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:Government welcomes Tourism 2050 strategy
DESCRIPTION:Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed the release of Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Tourism 2050 strategy. “The strategy will contribute to ongoing conversations about the future of tourism and highlights a range of opportunities and challenges the sector will need to navigate over coming decades\,” Louise Upston says. “I congratulate TIA on its development\, particularly as it sits alongside other important work within the wider system. “Earlier this year\, the Government's Tourism Policy Statement set out broad priorities\, providing a framework for agencies\, industry and communities to work towards shared outcomes. "It sets a clear long-term direction to grow tourism in a way that delivers more value for New Zealand while ensuring both visitors and communities benefit. “The release of Tourism 2050 reinforces strong alignment between the TPS and industry’s own vision for the system\, including ambition for balanced growth\, regional prosperity\, lifting connectivity and competitiveness\, and improved use of data technology and AI. “We look forward to continued engagement with TIA and other partners as work progresses on implementing future work programmes. “This continued collaboration will help ensure New Zealand’s tourism system remains well positioned to deliver benefits for visitors\, businesses\, workers\, communities and the wider economy over the long term\,” Louise Upston says.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-welcomes-tourism-2050-strategy
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-welcomes-tourism-2050-strategy
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-4@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:Cross-government plan to deliver stronger data
DESCRIPTION:Information collected by government agencies through their ordinary day-to-day interactions is to be made more useful\, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says. This week the Government commenced the Admin Data Improvement Plan to help ensure information collected by agencies can better guide decisions in areas like education\, health services\, housing and infrastructure. Administrative data – or admin data – is information collected by government agencies as part of their day-to-day interactions with people and businesses. This can include information provided when people access government services or apply for a licence or benefit. “The Plan means agencies like the Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry for Cities\, Environment\, Regions and Transport can work with Stats NZ to ensure the information they collect can be used to improve the completeness\, accuracy and timeliness of official statistics\,” Mr Simpson says. “More reliable data means better decision making. Government\, councils businesses and communities can plan services and invest with greater confidence.” The implementation of the Plan is underway\, with agencies working alongside Stats NZ to deliver agreed improvements over the next three years. Admin data is already used extensively to produce official data and statistics\, from population estimates to measuring the economy and the cross-government plan will ensure that existing framework continues. The Plan will ensure the improved completeness\, accuracy and timeliness of information to give better insights in to such things as where people live\, their occupation and ethnicity. “This plan will greatly support Stats NZ to produce useful and meaningful official statistics\,” Mr Simpson says. Notes to editors: Read the Admin Data Improvement Plan Stats NZ has worked closely with other government agencies and crown entities to understand existing gaps\, opportunities for improvement\, as well as practical actions that would strengthen the collection of admin data. This work has informed the Admin Data Improvement Plan. The Plan sets out a coordinated effort across government agencies to improve the collection\, quality\, and supply of key admin data over the next three years. Quality data helps government and the private sector to make informed decisions\, target investment\, and align services with the needs of communities throughout New Zealand. The Plan is an important step towards a stronger\, more connected government data system\, by driving a collective uplift in the quality of admin data across government.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/cross-government-plan-deliver-stronger-data
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/cross-government-plan-deliver-stronger-data
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UID:nz-pm-20260827-5@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260828
SUMMARY:Kaitaia Crisis Recovery Café opens
DESCRIPTION:People in Kaitaia who need mental health or addiction support now have another place to turn\, with a new Crisis Recovery Café officially open\, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced. “Emergency departments aren’t always the best environment for someone experiencing mental distress. They can be busy\, brightly lit and feel far too clinical and scary\, when often what someone needs instead\, is a calm place to sit down and talk to someone who understands\,” Mr Doocey says. “That’s why we are rolling out Crisis Recovery Cafés across the country\, giving people faster access to peer support workers who can help link people back to community services\, lend a listening ear\, and offer people experiencing distress a safe place to go.” The Community Wellness Café – Te Whare Tau will be delivered by Rakau Ora\, an organisation that already has strong relationships and a trusted presence in the Kaitaia community. “Vanessa Kite\, Rakau Ora’s Chief Executive and Founder\, brings more than 20 years’ experience in addiction services and 18 years as a registered mental health nurse. She will be a real asset as the café becomes established in the community. “Earlier this year\, the organisation began delivering peer support groups as part of the Government’s plan to reduce meth harm. Its Wellness Hub\, launched in 2021\, has also provided a voluntary\, community-led place for people experiencing mental health distress\, substance-related harm\, and homelessness to get support. “The Hub has provided a good foundation and now has Government funding to transform into the Crisis Recovery Café\, which has been named Te Whare Tau. Already training has been able to be provided for peer support workers\, ensuring people coming into the café can receive the best peer-led support.” Mr Doocey says the café is the first of three Crisis Recovery Cafés being established across Northland\, with cafés also planned for Whangārei and Kaikohe by the end of the year. “We have been successfully rolling out these cafés across the country and have seen real demand for the service\, showing that this is exactly the kind of support people are looking for. “From January to June 2026\, an average of 850 people accessed the cafés each month\, increasing to an average of 1\,148 people per month between April and June. “Te Whare Tau started seeing people at the Crisis Recovery Café on Monday\, 3 August. Already\, 106 people accessed the service in their first two weekends\, which is a promising start.” The café will operate after-hours on Monday and Friday during the week from 3pm to 9pm\, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm\, with at least two peer support workers on each shift. “This is part of our wider plan to deliver faster access to support\, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/kaitaia-crisis-recovery-caf%C3%A9-opens
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/kaitaia-crisis-recovery-caf%C3%A9-opens
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-0@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:Putting wine waste to work
DESCRIPTION:The Government is backing a programme to turn a winemaking by product into a valuable resource\, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “Marlborough produces large volumes of winery lees – the organic residue from winemaking. Traditional disposal pathways are becoming more constrained and costly\,” Mr McClay says. “We’re investing more than $2.79 million through the Primary Sector Growth Fund to help fast track a programme led by Bragato Research Institute that will develop a practical\, long term solution that reduces waste\, cuts emissions\, improves soil health\, and creates a new value stream for growers.” The programme is supported by co investors contributing a further $4.19 million. It involves collecting winery lees from participating wineries and converting it into a safe\, high value soil amendment made from lees\, compost\, and biochar. “This project will provide the testing\, monitoring\, and system design needed to prove the model works at scale\, giving the local council and industry the confidence to invest in a permanent\, self funding solution\,” Mr McClay says. “If successful\, the programme would establish a long term waste solution for Marlborough’s wine industry and provide a blueprint that could be replicated by wine regions across the country. “This is a strong example of government and industry working together to turn an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity – delivering benefits for growers\, councils\, communities\, and the environment.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/putting-wine-waste-work
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/putting-wine-waste-work
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-1@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:Minerals permit backlog cleared
DESCRIPTION:A backlog of historical minerals permit applications has been cleared\, delivering on the Government’s commitment to a more efficient permitting system that provides greater certainty for the minerals sector\, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. When the Government took office in October 2023\, regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) had a backlog of 311 minerals applications\, including 162 that had been awaiting an outcome for more than a year. That backlog has now been largely cleared\, with only two applications awaiting the resolution of external matters before they can progress. “I made a commitment to the sector that we would deliver a permitting system that is efficient\, responsive and focused on enabling responsible development\, and these results demonstrate the progress that has been made\," Mr Jones says. “Clearing this backlog has been a major achievement by NZP&M. It means applicants can have greater certainty when planning new projects and make investment decisions with confidence.” Interest in New Zealand's minerals sector has continued to grow\, with application volumes reaching record levels and NZP&M delivering a record number of permitting outcomes. New and change applications for minerals permits including prospecting\, exploration and mining permits\, increased from 296 in 2023 to 450 in 2024 and 551 in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026\, a further 342 applications had been received. NZP&M also delivered record numbers of minerals permitting decisions\, including 498 outcomes in 2024 and 521 outcomes in 2025. “This is what an open-for-business approach looks like in practice: a permitting system that gives investors confidence\, supports regional growth\, and helps turn New Zealand's natural resource potential into economic opportunities\, jobs\, and prosperity.” “The Government has been clear that New Zealand is open for business\, and that approach is helping create the conditions for growth and investment\,” Mr Jones says. “A wide range of factors influence activity in the minerals sector\, including global commodity prices\, investor confidence\, access to capital\, geological prospectivity and broader regulatory settings. While we cannot control all of these factors\, we can ensure New Zealand has a permitting system that is efficient\, predictable and supports responsible development. “Throughout this period of increased demand\, NZP&M has continued to prioritise timely and fair decision-making. Applications are being assessed to ensure decisions are made on their individual merits and in accordance with the law. “However\, the quality of applications remains one of the biggest factors influencing how quickly decisions can be made. Well-prepared applications containing complete technical\, financial and operational information can be assessed more efficiently\, providing benefits for both applicants and the wider system. I encourage the sector to continue to put their best foot forward.” NZP&M currently administers 1057 minerals permits and licences\, an increase of 11.5 percent on the same time last year. Performance data shows NZP&M decided 100 percent of relevant petroleum applications and 94 per cent of relevant minerals applications within targeted timeframes in 2024/25. In 2025/26\, 100 percent of relevant petroleum applications and 75 percent of relevant minerals applications were decided within targeted timeframes.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minerals-permit-backlog-cleared
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minerals-permit-backlog-cleared
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-2@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge to be replaced
DESCRIPTION:Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today that construction will begin next month on a new two-lane bridge on State Highway 25 (SH25)\, just north of Whiritoa\, to replace the current single-lane Ramarama Stream Bridge. “Carrying more than 2\,500 vehicles per day\, 13 percent of that heavy vehicles\, the current single lane bridge is nearly a century old and has reached the end of its serviceable life. Replacing it with a modern two-lane bridge will ensure that SH25 remains safe and reliable for road users who rely on it every day\,” Mr Bishop says. “Brian Perry Civil will deliver the new two-lane bridge\, and construction is expected to begin next month. The project is expected to cost around $10 million and the new bridge will be built immediately east of the existing bridge\, allowing traffic to continue using the current crossing to minimise disruption during construction. “Traffic is expected to begin using at least one lane of the new bridge by August next year\, with the remaining work expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and final landscaping completed in autumn 2028. “The work to repair or upgrade nine priority bridges and culverts was given the green light in July 2024 as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). Since then\, a further five priority locations have been added\, and NZTA is progressing design\, consenting\, and contracting so work can start. “Replacement of the Ramarama Stream Bridge is also part of wider efforts to increase the resilience of state highways around the Coromandel Peninsula. “This includes replacement of the SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge in Tairua which began last month\, a full deck replacement for the SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge north of Thames which was completed late last year\, and replacement of the SH26 Onetai Stream Bridge north of Paeroa which was completed in early 2025. “This work is further supported by Crown investment in the Budget 2026 resilience package\, including replacement of SH26 Kirikiri Stream Bridge\, upgrading the SH25/SH25A intersection\, and wider SH25 corridor targeted resilience including retaining works\, drainage upgrades\, slope stabilisation and road protection works. “Replacing the SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge will help improve resilience of the wider Coromandel state highway network and keep local communities\, freight and emergency services moving. I look forward to work getting underway next month.” Notes to editor: NZTA assesses and prioritises bridge replacements nationally\, with the programme reviewed through the National Land Transport Programme. Projects are prioritised based on the age and condition of each bridge and whether it is suitable for current traffic volumes. Bridges/culverts set to be replaced in the 2024-27 NLTP period: SH3 Mangapepeke No. 1 Culvert\, Taranaki (new addition for 2024-27 period) SH3 Mangapepeke No. 2 Culvert\, Taranaki SH43 Kururau Stream Water Drive\, Whanganui SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge\, Coromandel SH82 Elephant Hill Bridge\, South Canterbury SH82 Waihao North Bridge\, South Canterbury SH6 Coal Creek Overbridge\, West Coast SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge\, Waikato SH27 Ohinekaua Bridge\, Waikato SH36 Hauraki Stream Culvert\, Bay of Plenty Bridge maintenance renewal works: SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge\, Coromandel (new addition for 2024-27 period) SH35 Mangahauini No. 1 Bridge\, Gisborne (new addition for 2024-27 period) SH38 Frasertown Bridge\, Hawke’s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period) SH50 Ngaruroro River Bridge\, Hawke’s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period) Other announcements recently made: SH2 Pekatahi Bridge\, Bay of Plenty. Design and pre-implementation work for a two-lane replacement is underway. Construction is expected to be within the 2027-30 NLTP once funding is approved and a contractor is appointed. This programme excludes bridges being replaced due to weather event damage.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sh25-ramarama-stream-bridge-be-replaced
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sh25-ramarama-stream-bridge-be-replaced
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-3@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:Gender pay gap stays near record low
DESCRIPTION:New Zealand’s gender pay gap remains at a near-record low\, thanks to the work of government and employers to identify and close them\, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. Statistics New Zealand has today confirmed the gender pay gap was 5.3 percent in the June quarter\, largely unchanged from last year’s record figure of 5.2 percent. “Today’s figure confirms the impact tangible action like calculating pay gaps can have. “In 2024\, I launched the first ever government-backed pay gap calculator. Since then it has had over 80 thousand visits – which indicates to me that businesses are keen to understand and address their pay gaps.” The data shows that median hourly earnings for women rose to $34.95\, up 3.4 percent. However\, pay gaps remain wider for some ethnic groups. “Today’s figure shows there’s still work to do to reduce the gender pay gap further – the gaps for Māori and Pasifika women especially are still far too wide – and I encourage businesses and organisations to lean in and address them. “As a Government we’re focused on closing the pay gap and supporting women to advance. We’ve launched a database for governance-ready women looking for directorship opportunities called BoardConnector. It aims to advance women into high paid leadership positions across the public and private sectors\, and we’ve increased KiwiSaver contributions for employers and employees\, which will improve women’s longer-term wealth. “We’re committed to building the economy and driving women into higher paid jobs. This is how we will continue to close the gender pay gap and\, therefore\, the retirement savings gap – as well as growing women’s longer-term wealth and financial security\,” Ms Grigg says.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/gender-pay-gap-stays-near-record-low
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/gender-pay-gap-stays-near-record-low
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-4@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:Over 260\,000 young children eligible for funded flu vaccines from 2027
DESCRIPTION:Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to strengthen New Zealand’s vaccine response\, including by funding the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months up to 5 years old for the 2027 flu season. “Winter is a challenging period for many Kiwis. Strong flu strains in recent years have made it much more difficult\,” Mr Seymour says. “Flu season puts a lot of pressure on households\, workplaces\, schools\, and the health system. Today’s decision will make next winter more manageable. "From April 2027\, every child aged six months until their fifth birthday will be eligible for a funded influenza vaccine. This gives parents another tool to help keep their children healthy and reduce the impact of flu on families. “This change will mean more than 260\,000 children are eligible for funded flu vaccination. That's a practical investment in prevention that will help reduce illness\, doctor visits\, and pressure on the health system during the winter months. “This is part of a broader package of vaccine investments confirmed by Pharmac. 1.6 million New Zealanders are expected to receive the vaccines included in this decision in the first year of funding.” The influenza vaccine is currently funded for people aged 65 years and over\, and for people under 65 with certain health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness. “From April 2027\, funded influenza vaccines will move to newer vaccines that provide improved protection for older New Zealanders\, eligible at-risk people under 65\, and children aged six months up to their fifth birthday\,” Mr Seymour says. Pharmac is changing funded brands of the influenza\, meningococcal ACWY and pneumococcal vaccines from 2027. Access to funded influenza vaccination will widen to include all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday (6-59 months inclusive) from 1 April 2027. “Pharmac received strong support for the proposals during consultation. New Zealanders told Pharmac they supported broader access to innovative influenza vaccines and stronger protection against pneumococcal disease\,” Mr Seymour says. "These changes give more New Zealanders access to better protection against serious illness while ensuring public funding helps improve health outcomes for New Zealanders. “This is another example of the culture we are building at Pharmac. Pharmac funding the medicines that Kiwis need\, based on the feedback of Kiwis in need.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/over-260000-young-children-eligible-funded-flu-vaccines-2027
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/over-260000-young-children-eligible-funded-flu-vaccines-2027
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UID:nz-pm-20260826-5@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260827
SUMMARY:Community Job Coaching reaches milestone
DESCRIPTION:Community Job Coaching\, an employment programme to get young people into work\, has reached a significant milestone\, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Community Job Coaching now has 4000 young New Zealanders enrolled. The programme is showing the value of locally-delivered\, tailored job coaching to help young people off benefit and into work.” The Ministry of Social Development launched Community Job Coaching in October 2025. “That is great progress in less than a year. Community providers have helped these young people achieve more than 640 paid work activities\, including full-time\, part-time\, casual and temporary work\, while taking part in the programme. So far 290 people have been helped to get off the benefit and into a sustainable job. "One young person in the programme had been on a benefit for two years and was losing confidence and motivation. Community Job Coaching turned that around and he's now working full-time as a tiler. This is great news for that individual. “We have set an ambitious target for 50\,000 fewer people on the Jobseeker Support benefit and are investing in programmes like this that not only help shift that dial\, but help New Zealanders into jobs\, higher incomes and career pathways. “Going on welfare when you’re young is a trap\, with modelling suggesting that people who are on the Jobseeker benefit under the age of 25 are forecast\, on average\, to spend another 20 years of their life on welfare. It’s important we stop that cycle.” Community Job Coaching is delivered by community providers across Auckland\, Waikato\, Bay of Plenty\, East Coast\, Wellington\, Canterbury and Southern regions. The programme supports 18–24-year-old Jobseekers with up to 26 weeks of personalised employment coaching\, helping participants overcome barriers to work and achieve sustainable employment. Participants continue to receive support for up to 12 months after securing work to help ensure a successful transition into employment. “Three new regions will join Community Job Coaching in its second year: Taranaki\, Central and Nelson. The addition of these regions will ensure more young people can access tailored job coaching and employment support within their local communities\,” Louise Upston says. "As Community Job Coaching continues to grow\, we remain focused on creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills\, confidence and support they need to find and remain in sustainable employment. “The Government's investment in Community Job Coaching will enable up to 10\,000 young people to access the service over the two-year programme\, helping more New Zealanders move into meaningful and sustainable work.”\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/community-job-coaching-reaches-milestone
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/community-job-coaching-reaches-milestone
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UID:nz-pm-20260825-0@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260825
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260826
SUMMARY:Experienced public servant to lead new firearms regulator
DESCRIPTION:Experienced public sector leader Dr Kelvin Watson has been appointed as the first Chief Executive of Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand (FSENZ)\, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced. “Creating an independent firearms regulator is one of the most important changes under the new Arms Act. It is about rebuilding trust\, improving services\, and getting the culture of firearms regulation right\,” says Mrs McKee. “Dr Watson has extensive experience leading major operational\, workforce and technology change across the public sector. “Licenced firearms owners should be able to deal with a regulator that treats them fairly\, makes consistent and practical decisions\, and understands that licenced firearms owners are not criminals. “At the same time\, the wider public should have confidence that the regulator is focused firmly on firearms safety and on identifying genuine risk. “Dr Watson has worked in complex public sector environments where legislation\, statutory responsibilities\, risk\, assurance and public accountability all matter. He has the experience needed to build those expectations into the new agency from day one. “Under the Arms Act 2026\, FSENZ will replace the Firearms Safety Authority\, which currently sits within New Zealand Police. The new regulator will be institutionally separate from Police and monitored by the Ministry of Justice. “That separation is deliberate. Police should be focused on enforcing the law and catching criminals. The firearms regulator should be focused on running a fair\, effective and trusted regulatory system. No sworn Police Officers will work at FSENZ. “The Chief Executive is a statutory officer appointed by the Governor-General\, and FSENZ staff will make regulatory decisions independently of both Police and Ministers. That independence is an important safeguard for everyone who interacts with the firearms licensing system. “Dr Watson will take up the role for a five-year term from 23 September 2026\, when FSENZ is formally established\, and will work with the establishment team beforehand to ensure the new agency is ready to operate from day one. “The appointment falls within the pre-election period\, but the Government has decided that a full five-year term is appropriate. The new regulator needs stable leadership capable of establishing its core systems\, culture and capability from the outset. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition was consulted on the appointment.” Note to editors: Biography of Dr Kelvin Watson Dr Kelvin Watson has been Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services) at the Ministry of Justice since October 2023. He has held several senior leadership positions at Statistics New Zealand\, Capital and Coast District Health Board\, New Zealand Post\, and the Open Polytechnic. His private sector experience includes four years with Ernst and Young and three years as an independent consultant.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/experienced-public-servant-lead-new-firearms-regulator
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/experienced-public-servant-lead-new-firearms-regulator
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UID:nz-pm-20260825-1@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260825
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260826
SUMMARY:50 more Acts up for repeal
DESCRIPTION:A further 50 of New Zealand’s historic laws have been identified for repeal as part of the Legislation Repeals Project\, a once-in-a-generation review of 900 pieces of New Zealand’s oldest legislation\, Attorney-General Chris Bishop says. “While these laws once served a purpose\, many of them now sit as relics of New Zealand’s days gone past\, providing a window into the times\, quirks\, and realities of yesteryear\,” Mr Bishop says. “Keeping our statute book up to date avoids unnecessary costs and confusion for users\, and round four now brings the total number of Acts identified for repeal to over 200. “When there was uncertainty around whether Auckland Council had the authority to provide staff with a social room\, the Auckland City and Auckland Museum Empowering Act 1924 thankfully deemed it lawful. For those wondering how some of Wellington’s quays were built\, the Thorndon Reclamation Act 1882 enabled the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company to reclaim a lot of the land that now forms the Wellington railyard\, by dumping construction material into the harbour. “The latest set also includes the unique governance of some of our oldest schools and societies – these were often established through their own Acts rather than under general legislation as they would be today. “Examples of the various projects include high schools in Ashburton and Akaroa\, a technical school in Westport\, as well as a racecourse in Te Aroha\, a public hall in West Clive\, a cemetery in Ngaruawahia\, a showground in Wyndham\, and an athenaeum in Havelock. “Some Agricultural and Pastoral society-related Acts enabled activities still enjoyed by Kiwis today\, like the Blueskin Market Reserve Ordinance 1871 which provided for a cattle market\, exhibiting livestock and agricultural produce and providing prizes for winning exhibits at Blueskin. While A&P shows continue to be a feature of New Zealand rural life\, in many cases there is no longer a need for these Acts. “Parliament now passes legislation with general application across New Zealand\, through Acts like the Resource Management Act and Local Government Act\, avoiding the need for Parliament to approve things on a case-by-case basis. “Repealing these Acts doesn’t erase this history. Repealing them makes their status explicitly clear for anyone searching through our stock of in-force legislation\, and they will remain permanently accessible on the NZ Legislation website.” The Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) and the Ministry for Cities\, Environment\, Regions and Transport in relation to local Acts\, welcome feedback on the fourth round of 50 Acts identified for repeal. This follows the 152 Acts previously consulted on\, bringing the total number of Acts identified for repeal to 202. “We’ll be consulting on a fifth round of Acts proposed for repeal later this year. That’ll bring the total to around 250 Acts. We’ll then have a Bill to repeal the Acts ready to go for next year\,” says Mr Bishop. “The Bill will go through the normal legislative process\, so the public will have a chance to make further submissions on the Acts proposed for repeal at select committee.” Note to editors: Each Act identified for repeal is carefully reviewed and consulted on with relevant organisations\, agencies\, councils\, and stakeholders. Public consultation on the 50 Acts identified for repeal is open now and closes on Friday 2 October 2026. The PCO continues to accept late submissions on the 152 Acts previously consulted on. Consultation on another round of Acts is planned for later in 2026. Following consultation\, public submissions will be reviewed to confirm the Acts are suitable for repeal. The Parliamentary Counsel Office will then draft a Bill to repeal the Acts. The Bill will be introduced to Parliament and go through the full parliamentary process including select committee scrutiny. This will provide the public another opportunity to make submissions. More information\, including how to make a submission\, is available on the Legislation Repeals Project page. List of Acts identified in for repeal in Round 4 Local Acts Auckland City and Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Act 1914 Auckland City and Auckland Museum Empowering Act 1924 Auckland City Empowering Act 1932–33 Te Aroha Recreation-Ground and Racecourse Act 1892 Ngaruawahia Cemetery Reserve Leasing Act 1888 West Clive Public Hall Site Act 1879 Taranaki Agricultural Society Empowering Act 1909 Inglewood County Act 1919 Makerua Drainage Board Empowering Act 1952 Wellington City Empowering Act 1931 Thorndon Reclamation Act 1882 Westport Technical School Site Act 1919 Havelock Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Incorporation Act 1877 Ashburton High School Act 1878 Opawa Education Reserve Act 1888 Christchurch City Empowering Repeal Act 1948 Akaroa High School Act 1881 Rangiora Drill-shed Site Vesting Act 1913 Vincent County Empowering (Community Centres) Act 1970 North Otago Benevolent Society Act 1878 Oamaru Racecourse Trustees Empowering Act 1892 Alexandra Borough Race Enabling Act 1900 Riverton Harbour Loan and Empowering Act 1911 Wallace County Empowering (Community Centres) Act 1966 Wyndham Showground Reserve Act 1886 Wyndham Showground Reserve Act 1910 Public Acts Lawrence Recreation Reserve Act 1876 Dunedin Wharves and Quays Reserves Act 1876 New Zealand Library Association Act 1939 Public Reserves Sale Act 1878 Invercargill Public Offices Site Act 1875 Newspapers and Printers Act Repeal Act 1995 Naval and Victualling Stores Act Repeal Act 1998 Military Manoeuvres Act Repeal Act 2012 War Funds Act Repeal Act 2003 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Act Repeal Act 1994 Hotel Association of New Zealand Act 1969 Private Acts New Zealand Bible Tract and Book Society Act 1886 Hamilton Parsonage Site Act 1904 George and Annie Troup Trust Act 1949 Presbyterian Church Reserves (Canterbury) Act 1926 Peggy Joan Boys Voluntary Settlement Act 1951 Managers of the Saint Paul's Presbyterian Congregation (Oamaru) Act 1930 Napier Odd Fellows' Lodge Site Act 1889 Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act Repeal Act 2016 Provincial Acts Municipal Councils Reserves Ordinance 1862 (C) Otago Harbour Trust Leasing Ordinance 1862 (O) Harbour Reclaimed Lands Sale And Leasing Ordinance 1868 (O) Blueskin Market Reserve Ordinance 1871 (O) Northern Agricultural And Pastoral Reserve Management Ordinance 1871 (O)\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50-more-acts-repeal
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50-more-acts-repeal
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UID:nz-pm-20260825-2@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260825
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260826
SUMMARY:Government to cap rates
DESCRIPTION:Council rates increases will be capped at 4 per cent as the Government moves to help keep rates affordable for households and businesses\, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. “For too long\, ratepayers have been hit with steep and unexpected rates increases\, adding pressure to household budgets at a time many New Zealanders are already feeling the squeeze\,” Mr Watts says. “Our Government is focused on easing cost-of-living pressures and getting councils back to basics. “Under this legislation\, councils will be required to keep annual rates increases within an initial target range of 2-4 per cent\, putting a brake on excessive increases and giving ratepayers greater certainty. “It will also sharpen the focus on delivering the services communities expect councils to get right\, like fixing the potholes\, collecting rubbish and running our pools and parks. “We recognise there will be limited circumstances where councils need greater flexibility\, such as recovering from a natural disaster or responding to events outside their control. Exemptions will not be granted lightly and will only be available in exceptional circumstances where there is strong justification. “Ratepayers nationwide have been hit with median increases of 14.2 per cent and 9.2 per cent over the past two years respectively. “This rates cap is about driving greater fiscal discipline\, keeping rates affordable\, and ensuring councils are focused on delivering the services ratepayers rely on.” Councils will need to consider the target range from 1 July 2027 when preparing their long-term plans\, and the caps will take full effect from 1 July 2029. Editors’ notes: Under the proposed rates capping system: Annual rates increases will remain within an initial target range of 2 to 4 per cent. The target range will be reviewed every six years and updated where necessary to reflect costs outside councils' control. The target range includes a minimum level of rates increase to support councils to continue delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure. Two types of time-bound exemptions will be available: Exceptional circumstances: where additional rates revenue is needed to recover from events such as natural disasters that go beyond what a council can reasonably be expected to plan for. Prudent financial management exemption: where a council can demonstrate prudent financial management and a justified need to operate above or below the target range. Councils will be required to consult their communities before setting rates. Water services are excluded from the rates capping system and will continue to be regulated separately. The legislation also establishes an independent regulator responsible for: Monitoring compliance with the rates capping system. Assessing exemption applications. Advising on future target ranges. Supporting councils through implementation and transition. Providing guidance to councils and reporting on how the system is operating.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-cap-rates
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-cap-rates
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UID:nz-pm-20260824-0@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260824
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260825
SUMMARY:New petroleum application targets Pegasus Basin
DESCRIPTION:A new notified petroleum prospecting application aims to improve understanding of the offshore Pegasus Basin east of the North Island\, a promising but largely under-explored frontier basin\, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has today opened a three-month competitive process for an application lodged by CBX Energy Limited. It covers about 4207.26 sq km over the Wahipapa fairway in the Pegasus Basin\, a frontier area considered prospective for hydrocarbons. This is the second application lodged by the company and the seventh petroleum prospecting or exploration application accepted for assessment since the repeal of the offshore exploration ban. Mr Jones says continued interest in New Zealand's petroleum sector demonstrates growing confidence in New Zealand's resource potential and the role natural gas can play in supporting the country's future energy security. “The return of interest in petroleum prospecting and exploration shows companies are once again willing to invest in understanding New Zealand’s resource potential. “A country that understands its resource potential is better placed to shape its future. Prospecting and exploration help identify opportunities\, reduce uncertainty and ensure New Zealand understands the options as it plans for future energy need.” Previous geological and seismic work has highlighted the prospectivity of the Pegasus Basin\, but further prospecting is needed to better understand the basin's potential and inform future exploration decisions. "The Pegasus Basin remains one of New Zealand's least explored offshore basins. Frontier areas present some of the most exciting opportunities in the exploration sector because they offer the potential for large-scale new discoveries and geological insights\,” Mr Jones says. CBX Energy proposes to undertake technical studies using existing geological and geophysical data including modern analytical techniques\, to further evaluate the basin's prospectivity. Competing applications will be received until 5pm\, 25 November 2026. Applications will be assessed in accordance with the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025 and the requirements of the Crown Minerals Act. This includes consideration of applicants' technical and financial capability\, compliance history\, and the proposed work programme. For more information\, see: Applications under the open market competitive process - New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-petroleum-application-targets-pegasus-basin
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-petroleum-application-targets-pegasus-basin
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UID:nz-pm-20260824-1@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260824
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260825
SUMMARY:Goats and deer in the sights of $9.7m IVL funding
DESCRIPTION:A four-year funding boost of $9.7 million\, announced by Minister for Conservation Tama Potaka today\, will help protect New Zealand’s national parks and native ecosystems from wild goats and deer. “When left unchecked\, wild goats and deer can cause significant damage and impact productivity for farmers and other land managers\,” Mr Potaka says. The funding\, from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)\, enables targeted wild goat and deer management in nationally significant conservation areas\, reducing browsing pressure on native vegetation and supporting ecosystem recovery. "This IVL investment means DOC will continue achieving significant conservation gains by reducing wild goat and deer impacts across some of New Zealand's most important conservation landscapes — including Whanganui National Park and Waitōtara Conservation Area in the North Island\, and Kahurangi\, Nelson Lakes\, Westland Te Tai Poutini\, and Fiordland National Parks in the South Island\,” Mr Potaka says. "The programme strengthens monitoring\, surveillance and operational capability\, helping protect previous investments\, reduce reinvasion risk\, and build the knowledge and partnerships needed to deliver long-term biodiversity outcomes. “It also builds on the strong progress of priority wild goat and deer work in these national parks\, amplifying the biodiversity gains in some of New Zealand’s most important conservation landscapes.” Note to editors: The programme of work from this funding includes: Continuing wild goat control and monitoring across high-priority ecosystems in Whanganui National Park. Strengthening goat and deer management in the Waitōtara Conservation Area. Protecting wild goat free areas in Kahurangi National Park\, particularly high value ecosystems around the Heaphy Great Walk. Eliminating the identified wild goat population in Nelson Lakes National Park. Intensifying wild goat eradication efforts in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Continuing the successful deer management programme helping to reduce impacts and protect biodiversity in Fiordland National Park. It builds on previous IVL investment in wild animal management\, and the wider wild goat and deer work DOC delivers\, which covers more than 1.2 million hectares of public conservation land.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/goats-and-deer-sights-97m-ivl-funding
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/goats-and-deer-sights-97m-ivl-funding
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UID:nz-pm-20260824-2@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260824
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260825
SUMMARY:Consultation launched on illustrative National Policy Direction
DESCRIPTION:RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court have launched an illustrative National Policy Direction (NPD) for the new planning system for feedback. “NPD is what translates the goals of the Planning and Natural Environment Bills into clear directives on national priorities and identifies how key system conflicts should be resolved\,” Mr Bishop says. “Today’s illustrative NPD release responds to the strong interest through Select Committee submissions in how national system instruments would guide how the new planning legislation plays out in communities. “The illustrative NPD presents draft Government directives across five themes – housing and development\, infrastructure\, primary production\, resources (including quarrying\, mining and waste) and public values (including environmental and human health\, and indigenous biodiversity) – as well as broader cross-cutting\, system-wide directives. “NPD will influence where homes and businesses can be built\, how roads\, water infrastructure and renewable energy projects are enabled\, how farming\, quarrying and other resource uses are managed\, and how environmental and public values are protected. “This consultation is an important step in giving councils\, infrastructure providers\, developers\, farmers and growers\, iwi and communities an early look at how national direction could guide decisions under New Zealand’s new planning system. “It will help us test the structure and content with those who engage with the planning system every day to identify any improvements needed or gaps needing filling to ensure it’s clear and workable before a formal statutory consultation process. “NPD directives will be supported by national standards which will provide further detail on how to achieve the directives set out in the NPD. While initial standards are expected in 2027\, the illustrative NPD provides some visibility over how key national standards will help implement these directives.” NPD and national standards are critical layers in the new planning system’s ‘funnel’ architecture which is designed to give councils and users much greater certainty about what has already been decided at the national level and narrow what is up for discussion through planning. “This will help deliver certainty and consistency for system users across the country\, leaving councils to focus on how best to apply these priorities and standards in their regions\, without over-reliance on consents\,” Mr Court says. “National direction instruments are not new\, but the RMA’s plethora of overlapping and inconsistent National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards – across everything from infrastructure to contaminated land – caused confusion and only served lawyers’ billables. “Bringing economy-wide priorities and directives together and front-footing key conflicts in one place is designed to provide clearer\, more consistent direction to councils and system participants that leaves less up to the courts.” The engagement is a key milestone in the Government’s wider reform of the planning system. “The success of the new planning system won’t just depend on what’s in the legislation. It will depend on whether the national priorities and directives are clear\, workable and capable of delivering results on the ground.” “That is why this engagement matters\,” Mr Bishop says. “This is a chance for New Zealanders to help shape the settings that will influence planning decisions for years to come. “The feedback we receive will help ensure the new planning system is practical\, effective and able to deliver on New Zealand's priorities for property rights\, growth\, infrastructure and the environment.” Notes to editor: National Policy Direction is the mechanism through which the Government will set national priorities and provide direction to those preparing regional spatial plans and other planning instruments. The illustrative NPD is an example for engagement and is not statutory or legally binding. National standards that provide further detail on how to implement the NPD will be consulted on next year. Feedback can be submitted until 11.59pm on Friday 16th October. Details on how to provide feedback are available at https://consult.environment.govt.nz/new-planning-system/testing-the-approach-illustrative-npd/.\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/consultation-launched-illustrative-national-policy-direction
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/consultation-launched-illustrative-national-policy-direction
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UID:nz-pm-20260824-3@worldleaders.website
DTSTAMP:20260830T165148Z
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260824
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260825
SUMMARY:Strong candidates appointed to inaugural Firearms Licensing Review Committee
DESCRIPTION:Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the appointment of the eight inaugural members of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee (the Review Committee)\, established under the Arms Act 2026. “The new Arms Act is about restoring trust and confidence in firearms regulation for both licensed firearms owners and the wider public\,” says Mrs McKee. “A critical part of that is ensuring licensing decisions made by the regulator can be independently scrutinised. Under the previous law\, decisions could only be reviewed internally by the same organisation that made the original decision. “I am very pleased with the calibre of the eight inaugural members\, chaired by Hamilton-based District Court Judge Robert Spear. Every member brings firearms experience\, alongside a strong range of legal\, regulatory\, public safety\, clinical\, and community expertise. “Licenced firearms owners should be able to expect fair\, consistent\, and well-reasoned decisions from the regulatory system. Where they believe a licensing decision is wrong\, they should also have access to meaningful independent review without being forced immediately into costly and time-consuming court proceedings. “The Review Committee provides that important check on regulatory power. It will be able to independently examine decisions to refuse a licence\, impose conditions\, or revoke a licence\, while preserving the right of further appeal to the District Court. “This is particularly important where a licensing decision involves judgments about a person’s conduct\, behaviour\, or whether they may present a safety risk. Those judgments need to be based on relevant evidence\, applied fairly and consistently\, and capable of standing up to independent scrutiny. “The Review Committee has been deliberately appointed with a breadth of experience that means it understands both the responsibilities that come with firearms ownership and the practical realities of New Zealand’s firearms community.” The eight inaugural members have been appointed by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith for initial terms of 18 months from 31 August 2026. They are Judge Robert Spear (Chair)\, Louise Christensen\, Gordon Davis\, Joe Green\, Mike Keefe QSM\, Melissa Jackson\, Digby Livingston\, and Tracey Wakeford. Note to editors: Biographies for the inaugural Review Committee members can be found below. Judge Robert Spear (Chair) is a Hamilton-based District Court Judge\, appointed in 1995\, and currently the Chair of both the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority and the Victims’ Special Claims Tribunal. Judge Spear will retire his judicial warrant in October 2026. Judge Spear has previously held a firearms licence and participated in recreational hunting. Louise Christensen lives in Ashburton and is an active hunter and sporting clay shooter. She has previously worked for Maritime New Zealand in a licensing role\, and the Accident Compensation Corporation as a branch and quality manager. Gordon Davis is a Wellington-based lawyer with extensive legal experience through private practice (civil and criminal work) and in government as chief legal counsel for the (then) State Services Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority. Mr Davis is a former firearms licence holder having held\, until recently\, a licence for more than 50 years. Joe Green lives on the Kapiti Coast. From 2016 till 2026 he represented the Firearms Safety Council on the Firearms Community Advisory Forum. He also has significant Police experience and has been closely involved in Police vetting\, and various roles with search and rescue and emergency management. He has had long-time involvement in the firearms community though his Police work\, and with the Firearms Safety Council. He was involved in the United Nations development of International Standards for Arms Control and involved with the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association\, including research into incidents when one hunter shot and killed another. He has been involved with the Whakatūpato programme. Mike Keefe QSM is a Rotorua-based District Licensing Committee member\, a Judicial Justice of the Peace and a member of the Human Rights Review Tribunal. He has significant firearms experience as a former Police officer and District Arms Officer. He is a firearms licence holder and keen hunter. He was instrumental alongside John Ransfield QSM in starting the Whakatūpato Programme where firearms training was introduced into a marae setting improving safety and firearms compliance. Digby Livingston is a Wellington-based lawyer and director and a member of the Human Rights Review Tribunal. He was one of the inaugural Borrin Foundation Community Law Fellows and is a licenced firearms owner. Melissa Jackson is a Taumarunui-based legally trained local government manager and firearms safety leader. She is a former secretary of the Central King Country branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and is a hunting instructor for a local community trust that focuses on ethical hunting and te ao Māori practices. Tracy Wakeford is a Northland-based clinical psychologist. She also has a strong background working in firearms safety and experience with firearms (particularly the Whakatūpato programme and work with Mountain Safety Council).\n\nhttps://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/strong-candidates-appointed-inaugural-firearms-licensing-review-committee
URL:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/strong-candidates-appointed-inaugural-firearms-licensing-review-committee
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